The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and India's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum built over the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the careers of several players - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Disappears
The emerging side's commendable display in England this season, under a different skipper, suggested a smooth transition after the near-simultaneous retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill got injured early on in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. Yet that fails to account for the team of the highly disappointing performance in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and a few members hoping for extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second clean sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage India's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this edition also.
From number three in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Even though nine more Tests are still to come, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - including against the mighty Aussies. However the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's weakness in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. However, why India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, India were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an exception.
Now, India appear to be beatable in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they developed to favor their game failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players when it counted the most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is failing at home because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to perform better abroad.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players take part, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.
While there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it does not clarify why the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a few causes.
Experts and participants have highlighted several failings after India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the squad.
Cricketers such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - fell short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis also included not only the cricketers - selectors and support staff were also questioned, driven by upset followers and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
