The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum established in the last several months has largely dissipated and the careers of a number of cricketers - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The young team's impressive performance in England this summer, under a new captain, suggested a successful handover post the close together retirements of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the domestic season strengthened that view, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill got injured very early in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard display in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals aspiring to long red-ball careers were exposed as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This represented the second whitewash on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail India's hopes of qualifying for the final of this edition too.
After being third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have been relegated to number five. Even though nine more Tests are still to come, half of these are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even against the strong Australian side. But the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in the longer format has been badly exposed. However, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Tests at home lately is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an exception.
Currently, India look to be easy pickings on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they curated to help their style backfired spectacularly, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to perform better in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the IPL, in which several international stars participate, has taken away the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.
While there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain why the team's showings at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have identified various flaws post the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the team.
Members such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - fell short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The review targeted just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also criticized, driven by disappointed supporters and critical former players. Under focus of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press