India's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It was South Africa's first series win in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has all but vanished and the careers of a number of cricketers - along with head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The young team's commendable display in England this summer, under a new captain, suggested a seamless changeover following the almost concurrent retirements of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season boosted that belief, until the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the side of the highly disappointing performance in each match against South Africa.
Several established players were damaged, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
This represented the second series sweep in home conditions endured by India in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming India's hopes of making the showpiece of this season as well.
From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine more Tests are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been badly exposed. That said, why India have struggled so much in Test matches at home in recent times is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, India were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an aberration.
Currently, India look to be vulnerable at home.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they developed to favor their game failed miserably, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty home wickets would present to them in the past.
While there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason the side's results on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings after the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over the longer format.
This was clear in the displays of the squad.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis targeted the entire setup - the selection panel and support staff were also criticized, spurred on by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
