The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm established in the last several months has almost disappeared and the futures of a number of cricketers - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Disappears
The young team's strong showing in England this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a successful handover after the near-simultaneous departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the home season enhanced that perception, before the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill got injured early on in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. But that fails to account for the squad of the well below standard showing in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second series sweep on home soil endured by India in just a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa risks harming India's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this cycle as well.
After being third in the WTC table before the series, India have fallen to fifth place. Though nine additional matches are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even against the mighty Aussies. However the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, why the team have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil recently is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an exception.
Now, the team look to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they curated to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as the opposition used them more effectively, beating the home team's players when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering at home because local wickets have been changed from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to succeed in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which several international stars play, has removed the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is validity in these views, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complicated issue, not only a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to various flaws following the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the showings of the side.
Cricketers such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review also included just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, fuelled by distraught fans and critical former players. Under focus of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
