The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It was South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm established in the last several months has almost disappeared and the careers of a number of cricketers - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition after the near-simultaneous retirements of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill suffered an injury very early in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the team of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing long red-ball careers were shown as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second clean sweep in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 win which practically cost India a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage India's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's weakness in the longer format has been badly exposed. That said, why India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Today, India look to be vulnerable on home turf.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they curated to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents exploited them better, surpassing the home team's players when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to do well abroad.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is some truth in each argument, it fails to account for the reason the side's results at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted multiple deficiencies after the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, arrogance, regular alterations of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the side.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted the entire setup - selectors and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
