The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm established in the past six months has all but vanished and the careers of a number of cricketers - including head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The young team's strong showing in England this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a seamless changeover after the almost concurrent retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Gill suffered an injury very early in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard display in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals hoping for lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep at home experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 win which practically cost India a berth in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail India's chances of qualifying for the final of this season too.
From number three in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Even though nine further games are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even against the mighty Aussies. But the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why India have performed so poorly in Test matches at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an exception.
Today, the team appear to be beatable on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they curated to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition exploited them better, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is floundering at home because local wickets have been altered from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it still does not explain the reason India's performances at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not just one or two factors.
Critics and players have pointed to various flaws following the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the squad.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not well enough to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The review also included just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also under fire, driven by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. Under focus of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
