The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It was South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the prospects of multiple squad members - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a seamless changeover following the near-simultaneous departures of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against the opposition.
Several established players suffered, and multiple individuals hoping for extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second series sweep at home suffered by India in just a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming the team's chances of qualifying for the final of this season too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to number five. Even though nine additional matches are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason India have performed so poorly in Test matches at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, India were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against England, was considered an aberration.
Currently, the team look to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, beating the home team's players when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering at home because home surfaces have been altered from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has taken away the mystery and hardship home wickets would pose to them before.
Even though there is some truth in both analyses, it fails to account for why the side's results at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complicated issue, not only one or two factors.
Experts and participants have identified several failings after the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was obvious in the showings of the team.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare not only the cricketers - team selectors and backroom team were also criticized, fuelled by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
