The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum built over the last several months has almost disappeared and the prospects of multiple squad members - along with team coach the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The young team's impressive performance in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a successful handover following the near-simultaneous retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign strengthened that view, till the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against the opposition.
Several established players were damaged, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This represented the second series sweep on home soil suffered by India in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail India's hopes of making the showpiece of this cycle also.
From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Though nine further games are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - including against the strong Australian side. However the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's weakness in the longer format has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an exception.
Today, India look to be beatable at home.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they curated to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering at home because local wickets have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to succeed in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has taken away the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.
Even though there is validity in each argument, it does not clarify the reason the side's results at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complicated issue, not limited to a few causes.
Experts and participants have pointed to several failings following the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the side.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - came up short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review also included not only the cricketers - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by upset followers and critical former players. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
