The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, the visiting team gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory gained during the past six months has largely dissipated and the careers of a number of cricketers - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a different skipper, indicated a successful handover following the near-simultaneous exits of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the first Test and took no further part in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the terribly sub-par showing in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Concerning History
It was the second whitewash at home experienced by India in just over a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming India's chances of making the showpiece of this cycle also.
After being third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Even though nine more Tests are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - including against the strong Australian side. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. However, why the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an aberration.
Currently, the team appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to succeed in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
Although there is validity in these views, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.
Experts and participants have highlighted multiple deficiencies post India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the team.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - came up short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem didn't spare the entire setup - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
