The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa gave India a record loss in Test cricket, against all odds. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in India in 25 years and India's another home failure in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has all but vanished and the careers of multiple squad members - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The young team's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a successful handover after the almost concurrent departures of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the home season enhanced that perception, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill suffered an injury very early in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the highly disappointing performance in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and several players eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second whitewash on home soil endured by India in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a place in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail the team's hopes of making the final of this cycle also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table before the series, the side have fallen to number five. Although nine more Tests are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even when facing the strong Australian side. However the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been badly exposed. However, why India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an anomaly.
Now, the team appear to be beatable at home.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they developed to help their style failed miserably, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling at home because home surfaces have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to perform better in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars take part, has removed the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them earlier.
Although there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify the reason India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to various flaws post the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was obvious in the performances of the team.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - came up short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem didn't spare the entire setup - the selection panel and coaching staff were also criticized, fuelled by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
