India'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 gave India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory established in the last several months has all but vanished and the prospects of a number of cricketers - including head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The young team's strong showing in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a successful handover following the close together retirements of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill was injured very early in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. Yet that fails to account for the squad of the highly disappointing showing in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and multiple individuals aspiring to long red-ball careers were shown as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage India's chances of reaching the showpiece of this cycle as well.
After being third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to number five. Although nine more Tests are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even when facing the strong Australian side. However the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been badly exposed. However, why the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, India were considered impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Now, India seem easy pickings in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as rivals exploited them better, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling at home because home surfaces have been modified from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which several international stars participate, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would challenge them with in the past.
Even though there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify the reason India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complicated issue, not just one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to multiple deficiencies after India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the side.
Players like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Management Questions
The post-mortem also included just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also criticized, fuelled by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
