The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory built over the last several months has almost disappeared and the futures of a number of cricketers - along with team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Disappears
The emerging side's strong showing in England this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a successful handover post the close together departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season boosted that belief, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard showing in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and multiple individuals aspiring to long red-ball careers were shown as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This was the second series sweep on home soil suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail India's prospects of reaching the final of this season too.
From number three in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to number five. Although nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a major plus - even when facing the powerful Australians. But the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason the team have struggled so much in Test matches at home lately is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Today, India look to be beatable in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they developed to help their style backfired spectacularly, as rivals used them more effectively, beating the home team's players when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to do well overseas.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars play, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.
While there is validity in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason India's performances on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players diagnose a complicated issue, not only one or two factors.
Critics and players have identified multiple deficiencies post the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.
This was clear in the performances of the squad.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare just the players - selectors and backroom team were also under fire, driven by upset followers and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
