The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' first series win in India in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the prospects of several players - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The young team's commendable display in England this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a smooth transition post the almost concurrent departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the home season boosted that belief, till the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill got injured early on in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing showing in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash at home experienced by India in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail the team's chances of making the decider of this season as well.
After being third in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Even though nine further games are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even when facing the strong Australian side. However the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. That said, why India 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 regarded as invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Today, the team seem vulnerable in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they prepared to favor their game went wrong completely, as the opposition used them more effectively, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to perform better in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the IPL, in which several international stars participate, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Experts and participants have identified various flaws following the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the side.
Players like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - came up short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not well enough to secure victories.
Management Questions
The analysis also included the entire setup - selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
