The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, the visiting team gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory established in the past six months has almost disappeared and the prospects of a number of cricketers - along with team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition following the almost concurrent departures of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Gill was injured very early in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. Yet that fails to account for the squad of the well below standard display in both Tests against the opposition.
Several established players took a hit, and a few members aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were shown as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage India's chances of making the showpiece of this edition also.
After being third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have fallen to fifth place. Although nine further games are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even when facing the strong Australian side. But the failures against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's weakness in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why India have fared so badly in Test matches at home recently is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were seen as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an exception.
Now, India look to be beatable in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they prepared to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as rivals exploited them better, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling at home because home surfaces have been modified from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to succeed overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with earlier.
Although there is validity in both analyses, it fails to account for why the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings post India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the team.
Members like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - fell short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Management Questions
The review targeted just the players - team selectors and support staff were also criticized, driven by distraught fans and vocal past stars. At the centre of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
