The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory gained during the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the futures of multiple squad members - along with head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The young team's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous departures of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill suffered an injury early on in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the side of the highly disappointing display in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second series sweep at home experienced by India in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 victory which practically cost India a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage India's chances of making the decider of this season too.
From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Even though nine further games are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - including against the strong Australian side. However the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's weakness in the longer format has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an exception.
Today, India appear to be easy pickings at home.
Against New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they developed to favor their game went wrong completely, as the opposition exploited them better, surpassing the home team's players when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to do well in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to one or two factors.
Experts and participants have pointed to several failings following the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the side.
Cricketers like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review targeted just the players - team selectors and support staff were also questioned, driven by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
