The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory built over the last several months has all but vanished and the prospects of multiple squad members - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Disappears
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a successful handover post the close together exits of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill got injured very early in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. But that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par performance in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second series sweep on home soil suffered by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a place in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail the team's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this season as well.
From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Although nine more Tests are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a major plus - including against the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, why the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil recently is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an aberration.
Now, the team look to be beatable at home.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as the opposition used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to do well in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars take part, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would pose to them earlier.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it still does not explain why the side's results on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players point to a complicated issue, not only a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings following India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the squad.
Members like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - came up short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis targeted just the players - the selection panel and support staff were also under fire, driven by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. Under focus of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
