The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm established in the last several months has largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in England this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a smooth transition after the almost concurrent departures of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill suffered an injury very early in the first Test and took no further part in the series. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the terribly sub-par display in the two games against the opposition.
Several established players suffered, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second whitewash at home endured by India in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage the team's chances of qualifying for the decider of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, India have fallen to number five. Even though nine more Tests are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even when facing the powerful Australians. But the failures against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were considered impregnable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Today, India appear to be easy pickings on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they developed to help their style backfired spectacularly, as rivals used them more effectively, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling at home because local wickets have been modified from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to succeed abroad.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would pose to them before.
While there is validity in each argument, it does not clarify the reason India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not only a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have pointed to various flaws after India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over the longer format.
This was clear in the performances of the squad.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis targeted the entire setup - the selection panel and support staff were also questioned, spurred on by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
