The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, the visiting team gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. 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 one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum established in the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the careers of several players - including team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The young team's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a seamless changeover following the almost concurrent departures of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill was injured early on in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. However, that fails to account for the squad of the highly disappointing display in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second whitewash on home soil suffered by India in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail India's hopes of reaching the decider of this cycle as well.
After being third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to number five. Although nine additional matches are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even against the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason India have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Currently, India seem beatable on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they prepared to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as the opposition exploited them better, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to do well overseas.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would pose to them earlier.
Although there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify why India's performances at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have pointed to several failings post the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, poor choices, overconfidence, frequent changes of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the squad.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - came up short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.
Management Questions
The analysis didn't spare not only the cricketers - the selection panel and backroom team were also criticized, fuelled by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press