The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum gained during the last several months has almost disappeared and the prospects of a number of cricketers - along with head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this season, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover after the close together departures of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard showing in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals hoping for lengthy Test careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second series sweep in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's hopes of qualifying for the final of this season also.
From number three in the WTC table before the series, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Although nine further games are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even against the mighty Aussies. Yet the failures against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why India have performed so poorly in Tests at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Now, India look to be beatable at home.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents exploited them better, outplaying the home team's players when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars participate, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would present to them before.
While there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Experts and participants have pointed to several failings after India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the squad.
Players such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem also included not only the cricketers - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
