The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum established in the last several months has almost disappeared and the prospects of a number of cricketers - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Disappears
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this season, under a new captain, suggested a seamless changeover after the almost concurrent retirements of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the side of the well below standard showing in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members hoping for long red-ball careers were exposed as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second whitewash at home suffered by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage the team's hopes of reaching the showpiece of this edition as well.
From number three in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to number five. Although nine further games are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - including against the powerful Australians. But the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why India have fared so badly in Tests at home lately is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, India were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an aberration.
Now, India look to be beatable on home turf.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to help their style went wrong completely, as the opposition exploited them better, outplaying the home team's players when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them before.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars point to a complicated issue, not just one or two factors.
Experts and participants have pointed to various flaws post the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the squad.
Cricketers like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.
Management Questions
The post-mortem also included just the players - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
