The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' first series win in India in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of a number of cricketers - as well as team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a successful handover following the close together departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. Yet that fails to account for the side of the highly disappointing showing in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This represented the second whitewash in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming India's chances of qualifying for the decider of this edition also.
From number three in the Test championship standings before the series, India have been relegated to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. However the failures against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been badly exposed. That said, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Currently, India seem vulnerable in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they developed to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as rivals used them more effectively, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to fast tracks to train the squad to do well overseas.
Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has removed the surprise and difficulty home wickets would present to them in the past.
While there is validity in these views, it fails to account for why the side's results at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have identified multiple deficiencies post the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the side.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - came up short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis also included just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also criticized, driven by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
