The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the careers of a number of cricketers - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Disappears
The young team's commendable display in England this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a successful handover post the near-simultaneous retirements of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign strengthened that view, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. Yet that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and a few members aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second whitewash in home conditions suffered by India in just a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage the team's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition too.
After being third in the WTC table before the series, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Although nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even when facing the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. However, why the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an exception.
Currently, the team appear to be easy pickings on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they developed to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is floundering at home because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to perform better abroad.
Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has taken away the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have highlighted various flaws post the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the performances of the team.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - came up short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Management Questions
The review targeted just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, fuelled by distraught fans and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
