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 gave India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum established in the last several months has all but vanished and the prospects of a number of cricketers - along with team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Disappears
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover post the close together departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the home campaign strengthened that view, till the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill was injured very early in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the team of the well below standard display in both Tests against the opposition.
Several established players suffered, and several players aspiring to long red-ball careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This was the second series sweep at home experienced by India in just a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming India's chances of reaching the decider of this season too.
From number three in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have fallen to number five. Even though nine further games are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even when facing the strong Australian side. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, India were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Currently, the team seem beatable at home.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as rivals exploited them better, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would present to them in the past.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it still does not explain why India's performances at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complicated issue, not only a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have identified multiple deficiencies post the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the side.
Cricketers like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review targeted the entire setup - selectors and support staff were also questioned, driven by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
