The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' 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 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the prospects of multiple squad members - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Disappears
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this season, under a new captain, pointed to a smooth transition post the near-simultaneous exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the domestic season strengthened that view, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were a bit unlucky that captain Gill suffered an injury very early in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the terribly sub-par showing in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and several players aspiring to lengthy Test careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second whitewash on home soil experienced by India in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage India's prospects of qualifying for the final of this edition also.
After being third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Even though nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. However the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's weakness in the longer format has been badly exposed. However, why the team have fared so badly in Tests at home lately is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as invincible in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an exception.
Today, the team look to be easy pickings at home.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they developed to favor their game went wrong completely, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing at home because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to perform better overseas.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would challenge them with before.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complicated issue, not just one or two factors.
Experts and participants have highlighted several failings post the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, regular alterations of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was obvious in the displays of the side.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement 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, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review targeted just the players - selectors and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and critical former players. In the spotlight of the criticism was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
