The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' first series win in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory built over the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the prospects of several players - as well as team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Disappears
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a smooth transition after the almost concurrent departures of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill was injured quickly in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the squad of the terribly sub-par performance in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and a few members hoping for lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash at home suffered by India in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to South Africa risks harming India's chances of reaching the showpiece of this edition also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table before the series, India have been relegated to fifth place. Though nine further games are still to come, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - including against the powerful Australians. However the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. However, the reason India have struggled so much in Tests at home lately is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an anomaly.
Now, the team appear to be beatable on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they curated to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents exploited them better, beating the home team's players when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling at home because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to perform better overseas.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players take part, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would present to them earlier.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason India's performances at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars point to a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.
Experts and participants have highlighted multiple deficiencies following the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, arrogance, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the team.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare just the players - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
