The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has all but vanished and the prospects of several players - including head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous exits of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the first Test and took no further part in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the terribly sub-par display in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals hoping for long red-ball careers were shown as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep at home experienced by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 win which practically cost India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage India's chances of making the showpiece of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Although nine additional matches are still to come, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a major plus - including against the mighty Aussies. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. However, why India have fared so badly in Test matches at home recently is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were seen as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Currently, India seem beatable at home.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to favor their game failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to perform better abroad.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players take part, has removed the surprise and difficulty home wickets would pose to them before.
Although there is validity in each argument, it does not clarify the reason India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Critics and players have pointed to several failings following the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, frequent changes of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the side.
Members such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - came up short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but inadequately to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted not only the cricketers - the selection panel and coaching staff were also under fire, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
