The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa gave India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm built over the last several months has all but vanished and the futures of multiple squad members - along with team coach the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Disappears
The young team's commendable display in England this season, under a different skipper, suggested a seamless changeover post the close together departures of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the home season boosted that belief, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill was injured quickly in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. But that fails to account for the squad of the highly disappointing display in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and a few members hoping for extended tenures in Tests were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second series sweep on home soil experienced by India in just a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a place in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming India's prospects of qualifying for the final of this edition too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Though nine further games are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been badly exposed. That said, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Now, the team appear to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they developed to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that India is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed overseas.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has taken away the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would pose to them earlier.
Although there is validity in each argument, it still does not explain the reason India's performances at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not just one or two factors.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings following the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the team.
Players like Rishabh 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 position in the squad - were found wanting in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem didn't spare just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by disappointed supporters and critical former players. At the centre of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
