The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm established in the last several months has all but vanished and the futures of a number of cricketers - along with team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Disappears
The young team's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a seamless changeover after the almost concurrent exits of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the domestic season boosted that belief, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Gill suffered an injury 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 showing in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and several players aspiring to lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second whitewash in home conditions experienced by India in just a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming India's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this season as well.
From number three in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to number five. Although nine more Tests are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a significant benefit - including against the strong Australian side. Yet the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in the longer format has been badly exposed. That said, why India have struggled so much in Tests at home recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were considered impregnable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an aberration.
Now, the team seem vulnerable on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they developed to help their style backfired spectacularly, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the home team's players when it counted the most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is floundering in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to fast tracks to train the squad to succeed overseas.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which many overseas players take part, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would pose to them earlier.
Even though there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Most former players point to a multi-faceted challenge, not only a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings following the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.
This was evident in the performances of the team.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - came up short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem didn't spare the entire setup - selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, driven by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
