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, the visiting team gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum gained during the last several months has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - along with head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The young team's commendable display in England this summer, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition after the near-simultaneous departures of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, before the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill was injured early on in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the team of the highly disappointing display in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals hoping for extended tenures in Tests were shown as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash on home soil suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a spot in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming India's prospects of qualifying for the final of this edition too.
After being third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have dropped to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even when facing the powerful Australians. However the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were considered impregnable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an exception.
Currently, India appear to be beatable in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they developed to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to perform better in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players take part, has taken away the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would present to them earlier.
Although there is some truth in these views, it fails to account for why the team's showings at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players point to a complicated issue, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have identified several failings after India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over the longer format.
This was clear in the showings of the team.
Cricketers such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Management Questions
The post-mortem targeted just the players - team selectors and backroom team were also criticized, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
