The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' first series win in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum built over the past six months has largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - as well as head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Disappears
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a new captain, suggested a seamless changeover post the almost concurrent retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign boosted that belief, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Gill suffered an injury quickly in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par performance in each match against South Africa.
Several established players were damaged, and a few members hoping for extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second series sweep on home soil experienced by India in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's prospects of making the showpiece of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have been relegated to number five. Although nine further games are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an aberration.
Today, the team look to be vulnerable at home.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents exploited them better, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is struggling at home because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to succeed in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has taken away the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them before.
Even though there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify why the team's showings at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have highlighted multiple deficiencies following India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the team.
Members like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - fell short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review also included not only the cricketers - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the criticism was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
