The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It was South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has almost disappeared and the futures of multiple squad members - as well as head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Disappears
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this season, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover post the almost concurrent departures of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard performance in the two games against the opposition.
Several established players suffered, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second whitewash at home suffered by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a spot in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming India's prospects of making the final of this season too.
After being third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Although nine more Tests are still to come, half of these are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - including against the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Now, India appear to be beatable at home.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they curated to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to succeed in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would pose to them before.
While there is validity in both analyses, it fails to account for the reason India's performances at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Critics and players have pointed to several failings after the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the performances of the side.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - came up short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis targeted the entire setup - the selection panel and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
