The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum established in the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the futures of a number of cricketers - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Disappears
The young team's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover following the near-simultaneous exits of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign strengthened that view, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill was injured quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. But that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par display in the two games against the opposition.
Several established players suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second clean sweep on home soil endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's prospects of reaching the decider of this season also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Though nine additional matches are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even when facing the strong Australian side. But the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why India have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an aberration.
Now, the team look to be beatable in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they prepared to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as rivals used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling at home because home surfaces have been modified from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to perform better overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has taken away the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with earlier.
Although there is some truth in these views, it fails to account for the reason the side's results on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Most former players diagnose a complicated issue, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to various flaws following the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, overconfidence, regular alterations of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over the longer format.
This was obvious in the performances of the team.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Management Questions
The post-mortem didn't spare the entire setup - team selectors and backroom team were also criticized, driven by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
