The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It was South Africa's first series win in India in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory gained during the last several months has almost disappeared and the futures of a number of cricketers - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The emerging side's strong showing in England this summer, under a new captain, suggested a successful handover post the almost concurrent departures of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. However, that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and several players hoping for extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second series sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail India's prospects of making the decider of this season as well.
After being third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Though nine further games are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. However the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as impregnable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an aberration.
Today, India look to be easy pickings on home turf.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they developed to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as rivals exploited them better, beating the home team's players when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is floundering in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to succeed abroad.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would present to them in the past.
While there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain why the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a few causes.
Critics and players have pointed to multiple deficiencies following India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the team.
Players such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - fell short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis didn't spare just the players - team selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, driven by upset followers and critical former players. Under focus of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
