The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum gained during the last several months has all but vanished and the prospects of a number of cricketers - including team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The emerging side's impressive performance in England this season, under a new captain, pointed to a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the domestic season boosted that belief, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill got injured early on in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard showing in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and a few members aspiring to long red-ball careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second whitewash at home suffered by India in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's hopes of making the final of this cycle as well.
From number three in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have fallen to number five. Even though nine further games are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests on home soil lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as impregnable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an exception.
Now, India seem easy pickings in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they developed to favor their game failed miserably, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling at home because local wickets have been modified from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to do well overseas.
Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars participate, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would present to them earlier.
Even though there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify the reason India's performances at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted various flaws following India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the performances of the squad.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - came up short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not well enough to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem targeted not only the cricketers - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, driven by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. Under focus of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
