The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball 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 was South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum gained during the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the careers of multiple squad members - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Disappears
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover following the close together retirements of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign boosted that belief, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill got injured very early in the initial match and took no further part in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the side of the highly disappointing performance in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and several players aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second series sweep at home experienced by India in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming the team's prospects of making the showpiece of this season also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to number five. Though nine more Tests are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even when facing the strong Australian side. Yet the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil recently is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an exception.
Today, the team appear to be vulnerable at home.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to do well abroad.
A few mention that the IPL, in which many overseas players play, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past.
Even though there is validity in both analyses, it fails to account for why India's performances on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a multi-faceted challenge, not only a few causes.
Critics and players have identified several failings post the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the team.
Members like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - came up short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare just the players - team selectors and backroom team were also under fire, driven by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
