The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and India's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum established in the last several months has largely dissipated and the futures of a number of cricketers - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The emerging side's strong showing in England this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the home campaign boosted that belief, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the side of the terribly sub-par performance in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members aspiring to long red-ball careers were shown as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep at home endured by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa risks harming India's prospects of making the decider of this season too.
After being third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the strong Australian side. However the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that helped spin and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an exception.
Today, India look to be vulnerable at home.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents exploited them better, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing at home because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to succeed in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars participate, has removed the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past.
Although there is some truth in both analyses, it fails to account for why India's performances on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Most former players diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted various flaws after the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.
This was obvious in the performances of the side.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - fell short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.
Management Questions
The post-mortem targeted not only the cricketers - team selectors and support staff were also questioned, driven by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
