The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, South Africa handed India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has largely dissipated and the prospects of multiple squad members - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Disappears
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this season, under a new captain, suggested a seamless changeover following the close together departures of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign boosted that belief, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing display in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This was the second clean sweep in home conditions endured by India in just a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming the team's prospects of qualifying for the decider of this edition as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Though nine further games are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even when facing the strong Australian side. But the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, why the team have fared so badly in Tests at home recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an aberration.
Today, the team appear to be easy pickings on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they developed to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars take part, has reduced the surprise and difficulty home wickets would challenge them with earlier.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it fails to account for the reason India's performances at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players point to a complicated issue, not just one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to multiple deficiencies following the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the performances of the squad.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.
Management Questions
The post-mortem also included not only the cricketers - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and critical former players. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
