The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum built over the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Disappears
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover post the almost concurrent retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill got injured early on in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. However, that fails to account for the squad of the terribly sub-par performance in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and a few members aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep on home soil experienced by India in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a spot in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail India's hopes of reaching the showpiece of this cycle as well.
After being third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Although nine further games are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why the team have struggled so much in Tests at home recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an aberration.
Today, India appear to be beatable on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to help their style backfired spectacularly, as rivals exploited them better, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to succeed in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with in the past.
While there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain why the team's showings on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have highlighted various flaws following the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.
This was obvious in the performances of the team.
Members such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - came up short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review targeted just the players - team selectors and support staff were also criticized, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
