The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory gained during the past six months has largely dissipated and the prospects of several players - including head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a smooth transition after the near-simultaneous retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the domestic season boosted that belief, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the team of the terribly sub-par showing in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and multiple individuals aspiring to lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
It was the second clean sweep at home experienced by India in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming India's prospects of reaching the final of this season also.
After being third in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine additional matches are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - including against the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Today, the team seem easy pickings at home.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to help their style went wrong completely, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to succeed in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would present to them earlier.
While there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason the side's results on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted various flaws post India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was obvious in the displays of the side.
Cricketers such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by distraught fans and vocal past stars. At the centre of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
