The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of several players - as well as head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this season, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover after the near-simultaneous departures of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the home campaign boosted that belief, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. But that fails to account for the side of the highly disappointing display in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players were damaged, and multiple individuals hoping for long red-ball careers were exposed as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second clean sweep at home endured by India in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage the team's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this season as well.
From number three in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Though nine more Tests are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - including against the strong Australian side. But the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why India have struggled so much in Tests at home lately is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an exception.
Now, India look to be vulnerable at home.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they curated to favor their game failed miserably, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to do well abroad.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars play, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with before.
While there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not just one or two factors.
Experts and participants have identified multiple deficiencies after the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, arrogance, frequent changes of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the performances of the squad.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - came up short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Management Questions
The analysis targeted the entire setup - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by upset followers and critical former players. Under focus of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
