The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, the visiting team handed India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory established in the previous half-year has all but vanished and the careers of a number of cricketers - as well as head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a successful handover following the near-simultaneous departures of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the domestic season strengthened that view, until the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. However, that fails to account for the team of the terribly sub-par display in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep at home experienced by India in just a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming the team's chances of making the final of this edition as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Though nine additional matches are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even against the mighty Aussies. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. However, why the team have performed so poorly in Test matches at home recently is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an aberration.
Now, the team look to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as rivals used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that India is floundering in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to perform better overseas.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has taken away the surprise and difficulty home wickets would present to them before.
While there is some truth in these views, it fails to account for why the side's results at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have identified several failings after the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the showings of the squad.
Members such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - fell short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem didn't spare the entire setup - team selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, fuelled by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
