The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory built over the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Disappears
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a successful handover post the near-simultaneous retirements of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. But that fails to account for the team of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and multiple individuals hoping for lengthy Test careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second whitewash at home experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail India's prospects of making the final of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have fallen to fifth place. Although nine additional matches are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even against the mighty Aussies. However the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why the team have struggled so much in Test matches at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that helped spin and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an aberration.
Now, India look to be beatable on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to do well in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars participate, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with earlier.
While there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it fails to account for why the team's showings on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not only one or two factors.
Experts and participants have highlighted various flaws following India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the performances of the squad.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - came up short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem targeted the entire setup - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by upset followers and critical former players. Under focus of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
