The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum gained during the last several months has all but vanished and the prospects of several players - along with head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a smooth transition after the almost concurrent departures of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the domestic season strengthened that view, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill was injured early on in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par display in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and multiple individuals hoping for lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
It was the second whitewash at home suffered by India in just a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming the team's hopes of making the decider of this season also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Although nine further games are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even when facing the strong Australian side. But the failures against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil recently is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Now, India look to be beatable on home turf.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they developed to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the home team's players when it counted the most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to succeed in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them before.
Although there is validity in these views, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to one or two factors.
Critics and players have pointed to multiple deficiencies post India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.
This was clear in the displays of the squad.
Players like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - came up short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included not only the cricketers - selectors and support staff were also under fire, spurred on by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. Under focus of the criticism was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
