India's surprising 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the futures of several players - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover post the almost concurrent departures of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season boosted that belief, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill was injured early on in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. Yet that fails to account for the squad of the terribly sub-par showing in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second clean sweep at home experienced by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a berth in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming India's chances of making the showpiece of this edition as well.
After being third in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Although nine additional matches are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even against the powerful Australians. But the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil recently is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were seen as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Now, India look to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they prepared to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the home team's players when it counted the most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to succeed in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars play, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would present to them before.
While there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify why India's performances at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complicated issue, not just one or two factors.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings following the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the squad.
Players such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem didn't spare just the players - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, driven by distraught fans and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
