The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm built over the last several months has all but vanished and the futures of a number of cricketers - as well as head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a smooth transition after the close together departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Gill suffered an injury quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing performance in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second clean sweep on home soil endured by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail the team's hopes of making the final of this season too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Although nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. But the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in the longer format has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why the team have performed so poorly in Test matches at home lately is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an exception.
Now, the team appear to be easy pickings on home turf.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they curated to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing at home because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to perform better overseas.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars participate, has removed the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past.
Although there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify why the team's showings at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a multi-faceted challenge, not only a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings following the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, overconfidence, frequent changes of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the side.
Cricketers like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - were found wanting in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Management Questions
The review also included just the players - team selectors and support staff were also under fire, spurred on by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
