The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has all but vanished and the careers of a number of cricketers - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The young team's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a seamless changeover post the near-simultaneous retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill got injured very early in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the terribly sub-par display in each match against the opposition.
Several established players were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing long red-ball careers were shown as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Concerning History
This represented the second whitewash at home endured by India in just a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had secured a remarkable 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 making the decider of this edition too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table before the series, India have been relegated to number five. Although nine additional matches are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the mighty Aussies. Yet the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's weakness in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason India have struggled so much in Tests at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, India were considered unbeatable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an anomaly.
Now, India seem beatable on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they curated to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as the opposition used them more effectively, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling at home because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to do well overseas.
A few mention that the IPL, in which many overseas players take part, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason India's performances at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complicated issue, not just a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have identified multiple deficiencies post the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the side.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review targeted the entire setup - team selectors and backroom team were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. Under focus of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
