The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' 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 established in the last several months has largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The young team's strong showing in England this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover post the almost concurrent exits of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign boosted that belief, until the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill was injured quickly in the first Test and took no further part in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing performance in each match against the opposition.
Several established players suffered, and a few members hoping for extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This represented the second whitewash in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's chances of making the decider of this season too.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, India have fallen to number five. Though nine further games are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a huge advantage - including against the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's weakness in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. However, why India have struggled so much in Tests at home recently is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Now, India look to be easy pickings at home.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they developed to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to do well abroad.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has reduced the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would pose to them before.
Although there is some truth in these views, it fails to account for the reason the side's results at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to one or two factors.
Experts and participants have pointed to several failings after India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, arrogance, frequent changes of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the performances of the squad.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - the selection panel and coaching staff were also criticized, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
