The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, South Africa handed India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It was South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm established in the last several months has largely dissipated and the prospects of several players - as well as head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The young team's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a successful handover after the near-simultaneous exits of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign boosted that belief, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and several players aspiring to long red-ball careers were exposed as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second whitewash at home suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail India's chances of qualifying for the final of this cycle also.
From number three in the WTC table before the series, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Although nine further games are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even against the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's weakness in the longer format has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have struggled so much in Test matches at home lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an exception.
Now, India seem easy pickings at home.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they developed to favor their game failed miserably, as the opposition exploited them better, surpassing the home team's players when it mattered most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to do well overseas.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars play, has taken away the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would present to them before.
While there is validity in these views, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have highlighted several failings following the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the team.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their carelessness, 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.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem targeted not only the cricketers - selectors and support staff were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
