The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, the visiting team handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It was South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has all but vanished and the futures of several players - as well as head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition following the almost concurrent exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the home season strengthened that view, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill suffered an injury early on in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. However, that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par performance in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and multiple individuals aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This was the second series sweep at home suffered by India in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail India's hopes of qualifying for the final of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table before the series, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Although nine further games are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a major plus - even against the powerful Australians. However the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's weakness in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. However, the reason the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as impregnable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an exception.
Today, India look to be beatable at home.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they developed to help their style went wrong completely, as opponents used them more effectively, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling at home because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to fast tracks to train the squad to do well in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the IPL, in which many overseas players take part, has taken away the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past.
Even though there is some truth in each argument, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complicated issue, not limited to a few causes.
Experts and participants have highlighted several failings post the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, frequent changes of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the squad.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, driven by distraught fans and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
