The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and India's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm built over the past six months has almost disappeared and the prospects of a number of cricketers - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in England this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a smooth transition post the close together departures of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were a bit unlucky that captain Gill got injured quickly in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. But that fails to account for the side of the well below standard showing in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals hoping for long red-ball careers were shown as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second whitewash in home conditions endured by India in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming India's prospects of reaching the final of this cycle also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to number five. Even though nine additional matches are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's weakness in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. However, the reason India have performed so poorly in Test matches at home recently is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, India were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Currently, India seem beatable in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they prepared to favor their game failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to do well in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them before.
While there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players diagnose a complicated issue, not limited to a few causes.
Critics and players have pointed to several failings following India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over the longer format.
This was obvious in the performances of the squad.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Management Questions
The analysis targeted just the players - team selectors and backroom team were also questioned, fuelled by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
