The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, the visiting team gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has almost disappeared and the futures of a number of cricketers - as well as head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Disappears
The young team's impressive performance in England this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a successful handover after the close together exits of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were a bit unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. Yet that fails to account for the side of the highly disappointing display in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This was the second whitewash in home conditions endured by India in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage the team's prospects of reaching the final of this season as well.
After being third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine more Tests are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even when facing the strong Australian side. But the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, why the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Now, India appear to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they curated to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to perform better abroad.
Some point out that the IPL, in which many overseas players play, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them earlier.
Although there is validity in each argument, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Most former players diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.
Critics and players have pointed to several failings after the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the showings of the side.
Cricketers such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but inadequately to win matches.
Management Questions
The analysis targeted the entire setup - the selection panel and coaching staff were also criticized, spurred on by upset followers and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
