The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the careers of multiple squad members - as well as head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Disappears
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Gill got injured early on in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. However, that fails to account for the team of the well below standard display in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Concerning History
It was the second clean sweep on home soil endured by India in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming India's chances of making the showpiece of this edition also.
From number three in the WTC table before the series, India have been relegated to number five. Even though nine further games are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, why the team have struggled so much in Tests on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were considered impregnable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Currently, India look to be vulnerable at home.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as the opposition exploited them better, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well overseas.
A few mention that the IPL, in which many overseas players play, has removed the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them before.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason India's performances at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not just one or two factors.
Experts and participants have identified multiple deficiencies following the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the team.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - came up short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review also included not only the cricketers - selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, driven by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
