The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory established in the previous half-year has all but vanished and the prospects of multiple squad members - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a smooth transition post the close together exits of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Gill suffered an injury early on in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the terribly sub-par display in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals hoping for long red-ball careers were exposed as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second clean sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a place in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage the team's chances of making the decider of this season as well.
From number three in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have been relegated to number five. Though nine additional matches are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why India have performed so poorly in Tests at home recently is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an anomaly.
Today, the team seem beatable at home.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they developed to help their style backfired spectacularly, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to do well abroad.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars participate, has removed the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with before.
Although there is some truth in these views, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just one or two factors.
Critics and players have pointed to multiple deficiencies following the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the squad.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. At the centre of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
