The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent 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 first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory built over the previous half-year has all but vanished and the prospects of multiple squad members - as well as head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Disappears
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a successful handover following the near-simultaneous exits of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the home season strengthened that view, till the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing performance in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second series sweep on home soil experienced by India in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage India's chances of qualifying for the decider of this season also.
After being third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine more Tests are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even against the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, why the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, India were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts 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 at home.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they developed to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to perform better abroad.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars take part, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would present to them in the past.
Even though there is some truth in each argument, it fails to account for the reason India's performances at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings following the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over the longer format.
This was evident in the showings of the team.
Cricketers such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare just the players - selectors and support staff were also criticized, fuelled by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
