The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat 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. It was South Africa's initial series triumph in India in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory established in the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the careers of several players - along with team coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The young team's strong showing in England this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a smooth transition following the close together retirements of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the domestic season boosted that belief, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill got injured early on in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard display in both Tests against the opposition.
Several established players suffered, and several players hoping for extended tenures in Tests were shown as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second clean sweep at home experienced by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa risks harming the team's chances of reaching the final of this season also.
From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a major plus - even when facing the strong Australian side. But the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. However, the reason India have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that helped spin and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an anomaly.
Now, India appear to be beatable at home.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they developed to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals exploited them better, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to perform better abroad.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has removed the surprise and difficulty home wickets would challenge them with earlier.
While there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings post the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and emphasizing white-ball over the longer format.
This was obvious in the displays of the side.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.
Management Questions
The post-mortem didn't spare not only the cricketers - team selectors and support staff were also questioned, spurred on by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
