The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, South Africa handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' 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 momentum gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of several players - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Disappears
The young team's commendable display in England this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, until the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill was injured quickly in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the terribly sub-par performance in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players were damaged, and several players hoping for long red-ball careers were exposed as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This represented the second whitewash at home endured by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 victory which practically cost India a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa risks harming the team's chances of making the showpiece of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have dropped to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even when facing the strong Australian side. However the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil recently is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were considered impregnable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an anomaly.
Now, India look to be easy pickings at home.
Against New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they developed to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as opponents exploited them better, beating the home team's players when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is failing at home because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to fast tracks to train the squad to do well overseas.
A few mention that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has taken away the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would present to them before.
While there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it still does not explain the reason India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have identified several failings following the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.
This was evident in the showings of the team.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - came up short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem targeted not only the cricketers - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
