The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory established in the past six months has almost disappeared and the futures of several players - as well as head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this season, under a different skipper, suggested a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous departures of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season strengthened that view, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill was injured early on in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. But 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 multiple individuals hoping for long red-ball careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Concerning History
This was the second clean sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's chances of making the decider of this cycle also.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to number five. Though nine further games are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a major plus - even against the strong Australian side. However the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. That said, the reason India have performed so poorly in Tests at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as impregnable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that helped spin and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Today, India appear to be easy pickings at home.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they developed to help their style backfired spectacularly, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is floundering at home because local wickets have been changed from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would challenge them with before.
Even though there is validity in these views, it fails to account for the reason the side's results at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not just one or two factors.
Critics and players have identified multiple deficiencies following India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the squad.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The review also included the entire setup - the selection panel and backroom team were also under fire, driven by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
