The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has all but vanished and the prospects of multiple squad members - including team coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition after the close together retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season boosted that belief, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill suffered an injury early on in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard display in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second whitewash on home soil endured by India in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a spot in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage the team's prospects of making the decider of this edition as well.
After being third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have been relegated to fifth place. Even though nine further games are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even against the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an exception.
Now, India appear to be beatable in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they developed to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as rivals used them more effectively, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that India is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to do well overseas.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which many overseas players participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would pose to them in the past.
While there is validity in these views, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars point to a complicated issue, not limited to one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have identified multiple deficiencies following the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the team.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but inadequately to secure victories.
Management Questions
The review didn't spare the entire setup - team selectors and backroom team were also criticized, fuelled by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
