The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum gained during the past six months has largely dissipated and the futures of multiple squad members - along with team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Disappears
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous departures of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the domestic season strengthened that view, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill suffered an injury early on in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing display in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and several players aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were shown as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second series sweep in home conditions endured by India in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage India's chances of qualifying for the decider of this cycle as well.
From number three in the WTC rankings before the series, India have dropped to number five. Although nine additional matches are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a significant benefit - including against the powerful Australians. But the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests at home recently is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, India were seen as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Now, India look to be beatable at home.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to favor their game failed miserably, as the opposition exploited them better, surpassing the home team's players when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing at home because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to fast tracks to train the squad to perform better overseas.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.
Even though there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain why the side's results at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players point to a complicated issue, not only one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted multiple deficiencies after India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the squad.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - fell short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare just the players - selectors and support staff were also criticized, driven by distraught fans and critical former players. At the centre of the criticism was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
