The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum built over the previous half-year has all but vanished and the prospects of multiple squad members - including head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover following the almost concurrent departures of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
India were a bit unlucky that captain Gill was injured early on in the initial match and took no further part in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing display in the two games against the opposition.
Several established players were damaged, and several players aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second whitewash on home soil experienced by India in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail the team's prospects of making the showpiece of this season also.
After being third in the WTC table before the series, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Although nine further games are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a significant benefit - including against the powerful Australians. But the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches at home lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that helped spin and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Currently, the team appear to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as rivals used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing at home because home surfaces have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to perform better in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which several international stars participate, has removed the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with earlier.
While there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings following India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the performances of the side.
Members like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - fell short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem targeted not only the cricketers - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
