India's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team gave India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum gained during the last several months has almost disappeared and the prospects of several players - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover after the almost concurrent exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill suffered an injury very early in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the side of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa risks harming India's hopes of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition as well.
After being third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have dropped to number five. Although nine further games are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even against the powerful Australians. Yet the failures against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, why the team have performed so poorly in Test matches at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an exception.
Now, the team appear to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they curated to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents exploited them better, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is failing at home because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to perform better in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars play, has taken away the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would pose to them earlier.
While there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it does not clarify why India's performances at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a few causes.
Experts and participants have identified various flaws after India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, regular alterations of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the side.
Members like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - fell short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.
Management Questions
The review also included just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also criticized, spurred on by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
