The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory built over the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Disappears
The young team's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a smooth transition following the close together exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home season boosted that belief, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill suffered an injury early on in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard showing in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second clean sweep in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage the team's prospects of reaching the final of this season too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table before the series, the side have fallen to number five. Even though nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even when facing the mighty Aussies. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's weakness in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, why the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that helped spin and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was considered an exception.
Currently, India look to be vulnerable on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as rivals used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to perform better abroad.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which many overseas players take part, has reduced the surprise and difficulty home wickets would pose to them before.
While there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it fails to account for why India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted various flaws after India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the team.
Players such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare just the players - the selection panel and support staff were also under fire, driven by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
