The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa handed India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum established in the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the prospects of multiple squad members - as well as head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition after the near-simultaneous departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the team of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second series sweep in home conditions endured by India in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this season too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. But the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an aberration.
Now, India seem beatable at home.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they developed to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as the opposition exploited them better, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has taken away the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would pose to them earlier.
Although there is validity in each argument, it still does not explain why the side's results on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complicated issue, not only one or two factors.
Critics and players have pointed to various flaws post the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, regular alterations of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over the longer format.
This was evident in the displays of the side.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The review also included not only the cricketers - team selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, driven by distraught fans and vocal past stars. At the centre of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
