The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, South Africa handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum gained during the last several months has all but vanished and the futures of several players - as well as head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a seamless changeover post the close together exits of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. But that fails to account for the squad of the highly disappointing display in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
It was the second series sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming the team's chances of reaching the showpiece of this cycle as well.
From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have dropped to fifth place. Though nine more Tests are still to come, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. However the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, why the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Today, the team look to be vulnerable on home turf.
Against New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they curated to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing at home because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which several international stars play, has taken away the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
While there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it does not clarify why the side's results at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not only a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have identified various flaws post India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the performances of the squad.
Cricketers like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem didn't spare the entire setup - team selectors and backroom team were also under fire, driven by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
