The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India a record loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It marked 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 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm established in the past six months has almost disappeared and the futures of several players - as well as team coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The young team's commendable display in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a seamless changeover following the almost concurrent retirements of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign strengthened that view, until the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Gill was injured quickly in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. But that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par performance in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players were damaged, and a few members hoping for long red-ball careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Concerning History
This represented the second whitewash in home conditions endured by India in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail India's chances of reaching the showpiece of this cycle as well.
From number three in the WTC rankings before the series, India have fallen to number five. Though nine further games are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even when facing the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil recently is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as invincible in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an aberration.
Now, the team seem beatable on home turf.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing the home team's players when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to succeed overseas.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars play, has removed the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is validity in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Critics and players have pointed to multiple deficiencies following the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, arrogance, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was obvious in the showings of the squad.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - fell short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not well enough to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem didn't spare the entire setup - team selectors and backroom team were also questioned, driven by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
