The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, the visiting team gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum gained during the past six months has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - along with team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover following the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill got injured very early in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing display in each match against the opposition.
Several established players suffered, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second clean sweep on home soil suffered by India in just a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's hopes of making the final of this cycle too.
After being third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have dropped to fifth place. Although nine further games are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. 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 provide no basis for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in Test cricket has been badly exposed. However, why the team have struggled so much in Tests at home recently is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as impregnable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that helped spin and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an exception.
Now, the team appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they developed to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents exploited them better, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players play, has removed the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with before.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it does not clarify the reason India's performances at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a few causes.
Critics and players have highlighted various flaws after the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the squad.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - came up short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis also included not only the cricketers - the selection panel and coaching staff were also criticized, driven by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press