The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of several players - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a successful handover following the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign strengthened that view, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Gill got injured very early in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard showing in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
This represented the second clean sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's prospects of reaching the final of this edition too.
From number three in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, India have fallen to number five. Although nine more Tests are still to come, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a major plus - even when facing the mighty Aussies. However the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, why the team have performed so poorly in Test matches at home lately is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, India were seen as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an aberration.
Currently, India appear to be vulnerable at home.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they curated to favor their game went wrong completely, as rivals used them more effectively, beating the home team's players when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is struggling at home because home surfaces have been modified from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed overseas.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would pose to them in the past.
Even though there is some truth in these views, it fails to account for why the side's results on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just one or two factors.
Experts and participants have pointed to multiple deficiencies after India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the side.
Players like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - fell short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included just the players - the selection panel and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
