India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has almost disappeared and the prospects of multiple squad members - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Disappears
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the domestic season boosted that belief, until the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the team of the terribly sub-par performance in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This was the second clean sweep at home endured by India in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail India's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, India have dropped to number five. Though nine more Tests are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a huge advantage - including against the strong Australian side. But the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. However, why India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil lately is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an aberration.
Now, India look to be vulnerable on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they prepared to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the home team's players when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to succeed overseas.
Some point out that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past.
Although there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain why the side's results on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have highlighted various flaws post India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the side.
Players like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - came up short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem didn't spare the entire setup - team selectors and support staff were also criticized, spurred on by disappointed supporters and critical former players. Under focus of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
