The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, the visiting team gave India a record Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of several players - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Disappears
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this season, under a new captain, suggested a successful handover after the close together retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season boosted that belief, before the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill was injured early on in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the terribly sub-par display in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash on home soil endured by India in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage the team's chances of qualifying for the final of this cycle as well.
From number three in the Test championship standings before the series, India have fallen to number five. Though nine further games are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a major plus - including against the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been badly exposed. However, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an aberration.
Currently, the team appear to be easy pickings on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they curated to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering at home because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to do well overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has taken away the surprise and difficulty home wickets would present to them earlier.
Although there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain the reason the side's results at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Most former players diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not just one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to multiple deficiencies after India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the squad.
Players such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also under fire, driven by distraught fans and vocal past stars. At the centre of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
