The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's first series win in India in a quarter-century and India's another home failure in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory built over the last several months has all but vanished and the futures of several players - including team 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 new captain, suggested a smooth transition post the close together exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were a bit unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard display in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and several players aspiring to lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second whitewash at home endured by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 win which essentially denied India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage the team's prospects of qualifying for the final of this season also.
From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have dropped to fifth place. Although nine further games are still to come, half of these are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - including against the strong Australian side. Yet the failures against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason India have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates 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 the English, was viewed as an anomaly.
Today, the team seem beatable on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to help their style backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering at home because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to perform better abroad.
Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with in the past.
Even though there is validity in both analyses, it does not clarify why the side's results at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to various flaws following India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, overconfidence, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the performances of the side.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - came up short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The review targeted just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and vocal past stars. Under focus of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
