The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's first series win in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory gained during the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the prospects of a number of cricketers - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The emerging side's strong showing in England this summer, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover following the near-simultaneous exits of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing display in each match against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and several players eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This represented the second series sweep at home suffered by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming the team's prospects of making the final of this cycle too.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have dropped to fifth place. Although nine further games are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even against the powerful Australians. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, India were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that helped spin and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Currently, India look to be beatable at home.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to favor their game went wrong completely, as the opposition used them more effectively, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that India is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to do well abroad.
A few mention that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would challenge them with in the past.
Even though there is validity in these views, it fails to account for why the side's results at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted multiple deficiencies following India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the performances of the squad.
Players like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - fell short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but inadequately to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted not only the cricketers - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
