The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory built over the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of a number of cricketers - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Disappears
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a smooth transition post the near-simultaneous retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. But that fails to account for the team of the terribly sub-par display in each match against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and several players aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second whitewash on home soil suffered by India in just a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 victory which practically cost India a spot in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail India's chances of reaching the final of this edition also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings before the series, India have been relegated to number five. Even though nine additional matches are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a major plus - including against the mighty Aussies. Yet the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Currently, India look to be beatable at home.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they developed to help their style backfired spectacularly, as rivals used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to do well overseas.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty home wickets would present to them in the past.
Although there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify why India's performances at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players diagnose a complicated issue, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted multiple deficiencies post the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the side.
Members such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - came up short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but inadequately to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare not only the cricketers - selectors and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. At the centre of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
