The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, against all odds. 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 invincible streak.
The positive trajectory established in the last several months has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a successful handover following the near-simultaneous exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the home season strengthened that view, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the highly disappointing performance in the two games against the opposition.
Several established players were damaged, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash on home soil experienced by India in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage India's chances of qualifying for the final of this edition as well.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have fallen to fifth place. Though nine further games are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even against the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, why the team have performed so poorly in Tests at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, India were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an aberration.
Now, the team appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to perform better abroad.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would pose to them before.
While there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings following India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the side.
Cricketers like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Management Questions
The review also included not only the cricketers - selectors and backroom team were also under fire, fuelled by disappointed supporters and critical former players. At the centre of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
