India's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, against all odds. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory built over the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the careers of several players - along with head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover post the close together retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Gill suffered an injury very early in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and multiple individuals hoping for long red-ball careers were revealed to be still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This was the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 win which essentially denied India a spot in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming the team's chances of making the final of this cycle as well.
From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have been relegated to fifth place. Though nine more Tests are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the mighty Aussies. However the failures against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. However, why the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were seen as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an exception.
Today, the team appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they developed to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as opponents exploited them better, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is struggling at home because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to perform better overseas.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.
Although there is validity in both analyses, it still does not explain why the team's showings at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a multi-faceted challenge, not just one or two factors.
Experts and participants have pointed to multiple deficiencies post the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.
This was clear in the performances of the team.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - fell short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem didn't spare just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also under fire, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
