The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa handed India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in India in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of several players - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Disappears
The emerging side's strong showing in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season strengthened that view, till the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the terribly sub-par display in the two games against the opposition.
Several established players suffered, and a few members aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were shown as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This represented the second clean sweep on home soil endured by India in just over a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage the team's prospects of reaching the showpiece of this season also.
From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have dropped to number five. Though nine more Tests are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the mighty Aussies. However the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an anomaly.
Today, India look to be easy pickings at home.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they curated to favor their game went wrong completely, as opponents exploited them better, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players participate, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would present to them before.
Even though there is validity in each argument, it does not clarify the reason the side's results at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Critics and players have identified several failings post the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was obvious in the performances of the side.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem didn't spare the entire setup - selectors and support staff were also criticized, spurred on by disappointed supporters and critical former players. Under focus of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
