The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's first series win in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum built over the previous half-year has all but vanished and the futures of multiple squad members - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The young team's commendable display in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a successful handover following the close together exits of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the domestic season boosted that belief, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Gill got injured quickly in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the team of the terribly sub-par performance in each match against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and a few members aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash at home suffered by India in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 win which practically cost India a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming the team's chances of making the showpiece of this season also.
From number three in the WTC table before the series, the side have dropped to fifth place. Though nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even when facing the powerful Australians. However the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an anomaly.
Now, India look to be beatable in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they developed to help their style failed miserably, as opponents exploited them better, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well overseas.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players participate, has taken away the surprise and difficulty home wickets would present to them earlier.
While there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it still does not explain why India's performances on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Most former players point to a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Critics and players have identified several failings after India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the side.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The review also included not only the cricketers - the selection panel and support staff were also questioned, driven by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
