The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum built over the last several months has largely dissipated and the futures of multiple squad members - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a successful handover following the almost concurrent exits of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing display in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second clean sweep in home conditions endured by India in just a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail India's hopes of reaching the final of this season also.
From number three in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have dropped to fifth place. Though nine more Tests are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - including against the powerful Australians. However the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. That said, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, India were considered invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an exception.
Today, India appear to be easy pickings on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the IPL, in which many overseas players play, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would present to them in the past.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it does not clarify why India's performances at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players identify a complicated issue, not just one or two factors.
Experts and participants have pointed to several failings after India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.
This was obvious in the performances of the squad.
Cricketers such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - came up short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The review didn't spare just the players - team selectors and backroom team were also questioned, driven by upset followers and vocal past stars. Under focus of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
