The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in India in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum established in the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the prospects of several players - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Disappears
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a seamless changeover post the almost concurrent departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
It was the second clean sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming the team's chances of qualifying for the decider of this season too.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, India have fallen to fifth place. Although nine further games are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even against the mighty Aussies. But the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why India have performed so poorly in Test matches at home recently is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, India were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was considered an anomaly.
Today, the team appear to be vulnerable at home.
Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they curated to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to perform better overseas.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has removed the surprise and difficulty home wickets would challenge them with earlier.
While 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 dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Most former players point to a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to various flaws after the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, overconfidence, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was obvious in the displays of the squad.
Members like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - fell short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare just the players - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
