The Indian cricket team's unexpected 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 a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's first series win in India in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of a number of cricketers - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a successful handover after the almost concurrent departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign boosted that belief, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill got injured early on in the initial match and took no further part in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash in home conditions experienced by India in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 victory which practically cost India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail the team's hopes of qualifying for the final of this cycle as well.
After being third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to number five. Though nine additional matches are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - including against the strong Australian side. But the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil lately is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an aberration.
Now, India appear to be easy pickings on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they curated to help their style went wrong completely, as rivals exploited them better, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that India is floundering at home because home surfaces have been changed from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to perform better overseas.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which many overseas players play, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would pose to them in the past.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it does not clarify why the side's results at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Experts and participants have pointed to several failings post India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, regular alterations of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the side.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - were found wanting in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not well enough to secure victories.
Management Questions
The analysis also included just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by distraught fans and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
