The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years 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 all but vanished and the prospects of a number of cricketers - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover following the near-simultaneous departures of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill got injured very early in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the side of the terribly sub-par display in each match against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and several players eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second whitewash at home endured by India in just a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a spot in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage the team's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle too.
From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have dropped to fifth place. Though nine additional matches are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason India have performed so poorly in Tests at home in recent times is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an aberration.
Currently, India look to be vulnerable at home.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they developed to help their style went wrong completely, as opponents exploited them better, beating the home team's players when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to perform better in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the IPL, in which many overseas players play, has taken away the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would challenge them with before.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it fails to account for the reason India's performances on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Most former players point to a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to multiple deficiencies following the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the squad.
Players such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - fell short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included the entire setup - selectors and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
