The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of a number of cricketers - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The emerging side's strong showing in England this season, under a new captain, pointed to a smooth transition following the almost concurrent departures of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. Yet that fails to account for the team of the terribly sub-par performance in the two games against the opposition.
Several established players suffered, and multiple individuals hoping for extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This represented the second whitewash in home conditions suffered by India in just a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage the team's hopes of making the final of this season also.
From number three in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have been relegated to number five. Although nine additional matches are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even when facing the mighty Aussies. Yet the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, why the team have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an aberration.
Now, India look to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they developed to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that India is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better overseas.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has taken away the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them before.
Even though there is validity in these views, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to one or two factors.
Experts and participants have pointed to several failings following the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the squad.
Players like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - fell short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review targeted just the players - selectors and support staff were also criticized, spurred on by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the criticism was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
