The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of a number of cricketers - along with head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Disappears
The young team's impressive performance in England this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a smooth transition following the almost concurrent exits of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season strengthened that view, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill got injured early on in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the well below standard performance in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and a few members aspiring to lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second clean sweep at home experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage the team's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this edition as well.
From number three in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have fallen to number five. Although nine further games are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even when facing the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests at home recently is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, India were seen as invincible in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Currently, India look to be vulnerable at home.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as the opposition exploited them better, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is struggling at home because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars play, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with in the past.
While there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars point to a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to one or two factors.
Experts and participants have pointed to multiple deficiencies post India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the team.
Players such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - fell short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted the entire setup - selectors and backroom team were also under fire, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
