The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in India in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm built over the last several months has all but vanished and the futures of a number of cricketers - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Disappears
The emerging side's commendable display in England this summer, under a new captain, suggested a successful handover post the almost concurrent retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign strengthened that view, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill got injured early on in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard showing in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members hoping for lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second clean sweep on home soil endured by India in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage India's hopes of reaching the showpiece of this cycle also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have been relegated to number five. Though nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - including against the strong Australian side. But the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been badly exposed. However, why the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Currently, the team look to be beatable on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as the opposition exploited them better, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling at home because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to do well overseas.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has reduced the surprise and difficulty home wickets would challenge them with in the past.
While there is validity in each argument, it does not clarify why the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings post India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over the longer format.
This was clear in the performances of the side.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - came up short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not well enough to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The review targeted not only the cricketers - selectors and backroom team were also criticized, fuelled by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
