The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India a record Test defeat by runs, against all odds. This represented the Proteas' first series win in India in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Disappears
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a smooth transition following the close together departures of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the home campaign boosted that belief, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill was injured very early in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against the opposition.
Several established players suffered, and several players hoping for long red-ball careers were shown as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This represented the second series sweep on home soil experienced by India in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa risks harming India's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this season as well.
From number three in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Though nine further games are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - including against the strong Australian side. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. However, why India have performed so poorly in Test matches at home recently is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an exception.
Currently, India look to be easy pickings on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they prepared to help their style backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to perform better abroad.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players participate, has taken away the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it still does not explain why India's performances at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Most former players diagnose a complicated issue, not limited to one or two factors.
Critics and players have identified multiple deficiencies following India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the side.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - came up short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - the selection panel and coaching staff were also under fire, spurred on by upset followers and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
