The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, the visiting team gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. This represented South Africa's first series win in India 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 winning rhythm gained during the past six months has all but vanished and the futures of multiple squad members - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition post the near-simultaneous retirements of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the domestic season strengthened that view, till the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing display in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and multiple individuals aspiring to long red-ball careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Concerning History
This was the second clean sweep on home soil experienced by India in just a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which essentially denied India a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage the team's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition as well.
After being third in the WTC table before the series, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Although nine additional matches are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a major plus - even when facing the strong Australian side. But the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why the team have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an aberration.
Today, India seem beatable in their own backyard.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they curated to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to perform better in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players play, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would challenge them with in the past.
While there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars point to a complicated issue, not just one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have identified various flaws following the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over the longer format.
This was evident in the showings of the squad.
Players such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - fell short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis didn't spare just the players - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
