The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' first series win in India in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum established in the last several months has almost disappeared and the careers of several players - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Disappears
The emerging side's strong showing in England this summer, under a new captain, suggested a successful handover post the near-simultaneous departures of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign strengthened that view, until the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the terribly sub-par display in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and several players aspiring to lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This was the second series sweep on home soil suffered by India in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage India's hopes of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have been relegated to number five. Although nine further games are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even against the powerful Australians. Yet the failures against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in Test cricket has been badly exposed. That said, the reason India have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an aberration.
Today, India seem vulnerable at home.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as rivals used them more effectively, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to do well overseas.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars participate, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would present to them before.
While there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it does not clarify why the side's results at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complicated issue, not just one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted various flaws after India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, poor choices, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.
This was clear in the displays of the squad.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - came up short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not well enough to claim wins.
Management Questions
The review targeted not only the cricketers - the selection panel and support staff were also criticized, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
