The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, South Africa handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the prospects of multiple squad members - as well as team coach the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Disappears
The emerging side's strong showing in England this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover following the close together exits of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, before the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the side of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members hoping for lengthy Test careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second series sweep at home experienced by India in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a spot in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail India's prospects of qualifying for the final of this edition as well.
From number three in the WTC rankings before the series, India have been relegated to number five. Though nine more Tests are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil recently is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Today, India appear to be beatable on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they prepared to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would pose to them earlier.
Although there is some truth in each argument, it fails to account for why India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Experts and participants have pointed to various flaws following India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the side.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - came up short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Management Questions
The review didn't spare not only the cricketers - selectors and support staff were also criticized, driven by disappointed supporters and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
