The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm built over the past six months has largely dissipated and the prospects of several players - including team coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a different skipper, indicated a successful handover post the almost concurrent retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, before the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the side of the highly disappointing showing in each match against the opposition.
Several established players were damaged, and multiple individuals hoping for extended tenures in Tests were shown as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This represented the second clean sweep at home endured by India in just a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage the team's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, India have dropped to number five. Although nine more Tests are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a major plus - including against the powerful Australians. But the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. That said, why India have struggled so much in Tests at home recently is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an exception.
Currently, India seem easy pickings at home.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to fast tracks to train the squad to succeed abroad.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars take part, has removed the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with in the past.
While there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify why the side's results on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars point to a complicated issue, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to various flaws following the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, poor choices, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the side.
Members such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - came up short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but inadequately to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis also included the entire setup - selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, driven by upset followers and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
