The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum established in the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the prospects of several players - as well as head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a seamless changeover following the almost concurrent departures of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill suffered an injury very early in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the team of the terribly sub-par display in each match against the opposition.
Several established players were damaged, and multiple individuals aspiring to lengthy Test careers were shown as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
It was the second clean sweep on home soil experienced by India in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming the team's prospects of making the showpiece of this edition as well.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, India have been relegated to fifth place. Even though nine additional matches are still to come, half of these are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an aberration.
Now, the team seem easy pickings on home turf.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to help their style failed miserably, as rivals used them more effectively, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to do well abroad.
A few mention that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has reduced the surprise and difficulty home wickets would challenge them with before.
While there is validity in these views, it does not clarify the reason India's performances on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not just one or two factors.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings after India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the team.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Management Questions
The review also included the entire setup - the selection panel and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
