The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa handed 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 another home failure in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has all but vanished and the futures of several players - along with head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Disappears
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a successful handover post the close together departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign boosted that belief, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were a bit unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill got injured very early in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. However, that fails to account for the squad of the highly disappointing display in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and multiple individuals aspiring to long red-ball careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This represented the second clean sweep in home conditions suffered by India in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 victory which practically cost India a place in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage the team's prospects of making the showpiece of this season too.
From number three in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - including against the powerful Australians. But the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, why the team have fared so badly in Tests at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an anomaly.
Now, the team look to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to do well overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has reduced the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would pose to them in the past.
Although there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify why India's performances at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not only one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings after the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the team.
Players like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not well enough to win matches.
Management Questions
The analysis didn't spare just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by upset followers and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
