The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. This represented the Proteas' first series win in India in 25 years and India's another home failure in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm established in the past six months has all but vanished and the careers of a number of cricketers - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Disappears
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this season, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover following the near-simultaneous retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the home campaign strengthened that view, till the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard display in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
This represented the second clean sweep at home experienced by India in just a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 win which practically cost India a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail the team's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle as well.
After being third in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Although nine further games are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a major plus - even against the strong Australian side. However the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's weakness in the longer format has been badly exposed. That said, the reason the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an exception.
Currently, the team seem vulnerable in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they curated to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better abroad.
Some point out that the IPL, in which many overseas players play, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
While there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain why the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have identified various flaws post India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the squad.
Members such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - came up short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem also included not only the cricketers - team selectors and backroom team were also criticized, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
