The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's first series win in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the futures of multiple squad members - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The emerging side's impressive performance in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover following the almost concurrent departures of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill got injured early on in the initial match and took no further part in the series. Yet that fails to account for the side of the well below standard display in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
This was the second clean sweep at home experienced by India in just over a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming the team's prospects of qualifying for the final of this season also.
After being third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Though nine additional matches are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an aberration.
Currently, the team look to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they developed to help their style failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to succeed abroad.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars participate, has removed the surprise and difficulty home wickets would pose to them in the past.
Even though there is validity in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason India's performances at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Most former players identify a complicated issue, not just a few causes.
Critics and players have pointed to several failings following the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the side.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare not only the cricketers - the selection panel and coaching staff were also under fire, spurred on by disappointed supporters and critical former players. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
