The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, the visiting team gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' 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 invincible streak.
The momentum built over the past six months has all but vanished and the prospects of multiple squad members - as well as team coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a successful handover following the close together retirements of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the home season strengthened that view, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill got injured early on in the first Test and took no further part in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the well below standard showing in each match against the opposition.
Several established players were damaged, and multiple individuals hoping for lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This represented the second series sweep at home experienced by India in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 win which essentially denied India a berth in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail the team's prospects of qualifying for the decider of this cycle as well.
From number three in the Test championship standings before the series, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Even though nine additional matches are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - including against the strong Australian side. However the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why India have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil lately is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Today, India look to be easy pickings on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they developed to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as the opposition 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 home surfaces have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to perform better abroad.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players participate, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is validity in each argument, it still does not explain the reason India's performances at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not just a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to various flaws following India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the showings of the side.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - came up short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but inadequately to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The review targeted just the players - the selection panel and support staff were also criticized, spurred on by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
