The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm built over the past six months has largely dissipated and the futures of a number of cricketers - along with head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The young team's commendable display in England this summer, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover following the almost concurrent exits of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the home season enhanced that perception, till the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were a bit unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill got injured early on in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. But that fails to account for the team of the terribly sub-par display in each match against the opposition.
Several established players were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second clean sweep in home conditions endured by India in just over a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail the team's prospects of reaching the final of this edition too.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have dropped to fifth place. Though nine more Tests are still to come, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even against the powerful Australians. But the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why India have fared so badly in Tests at home in recent times is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an anomaly.
Now, the team appear to be beatable at home.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they developed to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify the reason India's performances on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players identify a complicated issue, not limited to one or two factors.
Critics and players have pointed to various flaws after India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, overconfidence, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the side.
Players such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - fell short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included the entire setup - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
