The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum established in the past six months has almost disappeared and the prospects of multiple squad members - as well as head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Disappears
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a seamless changeover following the near-simultaneous retirements of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the home season enhanced that perception, before the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill got injured early on in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against the opposition.
Several established players were damaged, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail the team's hopes of reaching the final of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have dropped to fifth place. Though nine more Tests are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even against the strong Australian side. However the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests at home recently is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Currently, India seem easy pickings in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they developed to favor their game went wrong completely, as the opposition used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to do well overseas.
Some point out that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has removed the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would pose to them earlier.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players identify a complicated issue, not only a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have identified various flaws following India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and emphasizing white-ball over the longer format.
This was obvious in the performances of the team.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but inadequately to win matches.
Management Questions
The review didn't spare not only the cricketers - the selection panel and coaching staff were also criticized, spurred on by disappointed supporters and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
