The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in India in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm established in the last several months has almost disappeared and the prospects of a number of cricketers - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Disappears
The young team's strong showing in England this summer, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover post the close together exits of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign boosted that belief, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill suffered an injury early on in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the team of the well below standard showing in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and several players aspiring to lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second clean sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage India's hopes of reaching the final of this cycle too.
From number three in the Test championship standings before the series, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Though nine more Tests are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's weakness in the longer format has been badly exposed. That said, the reason the team have fared so badly in Tests at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Today, India look to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents exploited them better, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is struggling at home because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to succeed in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has taken away the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with earlier.
While there is validity in these views, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complicated issue, not only one or two factors.
Critics and players have identified several failings following the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over the longer format.
This was obvious in the displays of the side.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem didn't spare the entire setup - the selection panel and support staff were also criticized, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
