The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum gained during the last several months has largely dissipated and the futures of several players - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this season, under a new captain, pointed to a smooth transition post the close together departures of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season boosted that belief, until the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill was injured early on in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the well below standard performance in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash at home experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage the team's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Although nine further games are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a major plus - including against the mighty Aussies. However the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's weakness in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, why India have struggled so much in Tests at home lately is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that helped spin and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Today, India seem beatable on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as the opposition exploited them better, outplaying the home team's players when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is failing at home because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players play, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would present to them before.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it fails to account for why India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars identify a complicated issue, not limited to a few causes.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings following the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the showings of the team.
Cricketers such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - were found wanting in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Management Questions
The review didn't spare the entire setup - selectors and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. Under focus of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
