The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in India 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 last several months has almost disappeared and the prospects of several players - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a successful handover after the almost concurrent retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill was injured very early in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the terribly sub-par performance in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash at home endured by India in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming India's chances of reaching the showpiece of this cycle also.
After being third in the Test championship standings before the series, India have dropped to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - including against the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, why India have struggled so much in Test matches at home lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an exception.
Today, India appear to be beatable in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they developed to help their style failed miserably, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to do well overseas.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would present to them before.
Even though there is validity in these views, it fails to account for why India's performances at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Most former players identify a complicated issue, not just a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings post the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the squad.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - fell short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review also included not only the cricketers - team selectors and backroom team were also under fire, fuelled by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
