The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum established in the last several months has almost disappeared and the prospects of several players - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The emerging side's strong showing in England this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover post the near-simultaneous exits of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign boosted that belief, until the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
India were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing display in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and several players hoping for long red-ball careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second series sweep in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a spot in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's hopes of reaching the showpiece of this season too.
From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have dropped to fifth place. Though nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even against the powerful Australians. However the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason India have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil lately is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as impregnable in Test 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, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Now, India appear to be vulnerable at home.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they curated to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as the opposition used them more effectively, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to do well overseas.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would present to them earlier.
Although there is validity in each argument, it fails to account for the reason India's performances at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings following the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the team.
Players such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also under fire, spurred on by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. At the centre of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
