The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It was South Africa's first series win in India in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm established in the last several months has all but vanished and the prospects of several players - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Disappears
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this season, under a new captain, suggested a seamless changeover following the close together exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign boosted that belief, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. Yet that fails to account for the team of the highly disappointing showing in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and several players aspiring to long red-ball careers were revealed to be still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash at home endured by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a spot in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming India's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table before the series, the side have fallen to fifth place. Though nine more Tests are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even when facing the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, why the team have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an aberration.
Currently, India seem easy pickings on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to help their style failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling at home because home surfaces have been changed from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to do well abroad.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars play, has removed the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them before.
Although there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify why the side's results on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complicated issue, not only a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings post the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, regular alterations of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the squad.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - came up short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review targeted not only the cricketers - the selection panel and coaching staff were also under fire, driven by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
