The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm built over the last several months has largely dissipated and the futures of several players - along with head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a successful handover following the near-simultaneous exits of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, before the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the side of the well below standard display in the two games against the opposition.
Several established players suffered, and multiple individuals hoping for long red-ball careers were revealed to be still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This was the second series sweep at home suffered by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail India's prospects of qualifying for the decider of this edition also.
From number three in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have been relegated to number five. Though nine more Tests are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even when facing the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's weakness in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. However, the reason the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Currently, India appear to be beatable on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they curated to favor their game went wrong completely, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to do well overseas.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has taken away the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would present to them before.
Even though there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Most former players point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted multiple deficiencies after India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was obvious in the performances of the team.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare the entire setup - the selection panel and backroom team were also criticized, driven by disappointed supporters and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
