The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum established in the past six months has almost disappeared and the futures of several players - including head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The young team's impressive performance in England this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover post the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season boosted that belief, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill was injured quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and a few members aspiring to long red-ball careers were shown as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second clean sweep in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a spot in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail India's hopes of making the decider of this edition as well.
From number three in the WTC table before the series, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Although nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a major plus - including against the mighty Aussies. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Test matches at home lately is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Now, the team look to be beatable at home.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they curated to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to perform better overseas.
Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
Even though there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify the reason the side's results at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have highlighted multiple deficiencies post the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was obvious in the performances of the side.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included not only the cricketers - team selectors and support staff were also questioned, driven by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
