The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, South Africa handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of several players - along with head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The young team's strong showing in the UK this season, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition following the close together departures of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. But that fails to account for the side of the well below standard display in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members hoping for lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second clean sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage the team's hopes of qualifying for the final of this edition also.
From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have fallen to number five. Even though nine further games are still to come, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a major plus - even when facing the strong Australian side. Yet the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were considered unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an anomaly.
Currently, India appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they curated to favor their game failed miserably, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to perform better overseas.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players take part, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.
Although there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings post the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the performances of the side.
Cricketers like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - came up short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem also included the entire setup - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, driven by distraught fans and vocal past stars. At the centre of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
