The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the careers of a number of cricketers - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill was injured early on in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing display in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and several players eyeing long red-ball careers were shown as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second whitewash at home endured by India in just a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 win which essentially denied India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail India's hopes of reaching the decider of this edition too.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have fallen to fifth place. Even though nine further games are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - including against the mighty Aussies. However the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason India have performed so poorly in Tests at home lately is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as impregnable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an aberration.
Now, the team look to be beatable on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they curated to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as rivals exploited them better, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to do well abroad.
Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Critics and players have pointed to several failings following India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, arrogance, frequent changes of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over the longer format.
This was clear in the performances of the team.
Cricketers like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem didn't spare the entire setup - the selection panel and support staff were also criticized, fuelled by upset followers and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
