The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the just finished Test series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It was South Africa's initial series triumph in India in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the careers of multiple squad members - including head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a new captain, suggested a successful handover after the near-simultaneous retirements of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home campaign strengthened that view, till the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill suffered an injury early on in the first Test and took no further part in the series. However, that fails to account for the side of the well below standard display in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and multiple individuals hoping for extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This was the second whitewash on home soil endured by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 win which practically cost India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming India's chances of making the final of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table before the series, the side have dropped to number five. Even though nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even against the strong Australian side. However the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's frailty in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. However, why India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil lately is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an aberration.
Currently, the team look to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to help their style went wrong completely, as rivals exploited them better, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is failing at home because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to fast tracks to train the squad to succeed overseas.
A few mention that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with earlier.
While there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it still does not explain why India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to one or two factors.
Experts and participants have highlighted multiple deficiencies post India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the team.
Members like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted not only the cricketers - the selection panel and support staff were also criticized, fuelled by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. Under focus of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
