The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and India's another home failure in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has all but vanished and the careers of several players - including head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Disappears
The young team's strong showing in England this season, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season boosted that belief, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill got injured very early in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. Yet that fails to account for the squad of the well below standard display in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This was the second series sweep at home experienced by India in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming India's hopes of making the final of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have fallen to the fifth spot. Though nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even when facing the strong Australian side. But the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's weakness in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests at home lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an aberration.
Now, the team seem vulnerable in their own backyard.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they developed to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents exploited them better, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to succeed overseas.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is validity in each argument, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complicated issue, not just a few causes.
Experts and participants have highlighted multiple deficiencies after India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and emphasizing white-ball over the longer format.
This was evident in the performances of the squad.
Players such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The review targeted not only the cricketers - team selectors and backroom team were also under fire, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
