The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in India in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has all but vanished and the prospects of multiple squad members - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this season, under a new captain, pointed to a successful handover post the almost concurrent retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. But that fails to account for the team of the well below standard display in each match against the opposition.
Several established players were damaged, and multiple individuals aspiring to long red-ball careers were shown as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second series sweep on home soil endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 win which effectively cost India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage the team's chances of making the showpiece of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Even though nine additional matches are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. However the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Today, India appear to be easy pickings on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they curated to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition exploited them better, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering at home because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to do well in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has removed the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
Although there is validity in both analyses, it still does not explain why the side's results at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars point to a complicated issue, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have identified multiple deficiencies post the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the team.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - came up short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare just the players - the selection panel and support staff were also questioned, spurred on by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
