The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the just finished Test series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum established in the past six months has almost disappeared and the futures of multiple squad members - as well as head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Disappears
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this summer, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition following the close together retirements of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the domestic season boosted that belief, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill suffered an injury early on in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the team of the highly disappointing performance in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Concerning History
This was the second whitewash at home suffered by India in just a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage the team's prospects of making the final of this edition too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Though nine additional matches are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a significant benefit - including against the strong Australian side. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil lately is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Today, India look to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they developed to favor their game went wrong completely, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to perform better in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the IPL, in which several international stars play, has reduced the surprise and difficulty home wickets would pose to them earlier.
While there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars identify a complicated issue, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have identified multiple deficiencies following India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the side.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review also included just the players - selectors and support staff were also criticized, fuelled by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
