The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the prospects of multiple squad members - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Disappears
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a seamless changeover post the close together exits of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill was injured very early in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. However, that fails to account for the side of the highly disappointing showing in both Tests against the opposition.
Several established players took a hit, and multiple individuals hoping for long red-ball careers were shown as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second whitewash on home soil suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage India's hopes of qualifying for the showpiece of this season as well.
After being third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, India have fallen to number five. Although nine additional matches are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even against the mighty Aussies. However the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why India have performed so poorly in Tests at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an exception.
Now, India look to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they developed to help their style failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to do well abroad.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would pose to them earlier.
Although there is validity in each argument, it does not clarify the reason India's performances on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complicated issue, not only a few causes.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings after the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over the longer format.
This was clear in the displays of the squad.
Members like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - came up short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review also included just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. At the centre of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
