The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory established in the last several months has all but vanished and the careers of several players - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The young team's strong showing in England this summer, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover after the almost concurrent retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. But that fails to account for the side of the highly disappointing display in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second series sweep in home conditions endured by India in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail India's chances of reaching the showpiece of this cycle also.
From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Even though nine additional matches are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even against the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an aberration.
Today, India look to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they prepared to help their style backfired spectacularly, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling at home because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the IPL, in which many overseas players participate, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.
While there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it does not clarify why the side's results at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Critics and players have identified several failings post India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.
This was clear in the displays of the team.
Members like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare the entire setup - team selectors and support staff were also under fire, spurred on by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. Under focus of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
