The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm established in the past six months has almost disappeared and the futures of multiple squad members - as well as head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The young team's impressive performance in England this season, under a new captain, pointed to a successful handover after the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the home season boosted that belief, before the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Gill got injured quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the side of the well below standard display in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second whitewash on home soil endured by India in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail the team's hopes of qualifying for the final of this cycle as well.
From number three in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to number five. Even though nine further games are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even against the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been badly exposed. However, why the team have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as impregnable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Today, India appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they developed to favor their game went wrong completely, as the opposition used them more effectively, surpassing the home team's players when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that India is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to do well overseas.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players participate, has taken away the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it fails to account for why the team's showings at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players identify a complicated issue, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have highlighted several failings after the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, frequent changes of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the squad.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - fell short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to claim wins.
Management Questions
The analysis also included not only the cricketers - the selection panel and backroom team were also criticized, spurred on by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
