The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the prospects of several players - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Disappears
The emerging side's impressive performance in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a seamless changeover post the near-simultaneous exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard display in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and several players aspiring to long red-ball careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second whitewash in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 victory which practically cost India a place in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage the team's hopes of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle also.
From number three in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to number five. Even though nine further games are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even when facing the strong Australian side. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. However, why India have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil recently is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Today, the team look to be beatable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals used them more effectively, beating 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 modified from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has removed the surprise and difficulty home wickets would challenge them with in the past.
While there is validity in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars point to a complicated issue, not just a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings post India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the showings of the team.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - fell short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Management Questions
The post-mortem targeted just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
