The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum established in the last several months has largely dissipated and the careers of a number of cricketers - including head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The emerging side's strong showing in England this season, under a new captain, suggested a successful handover following the close together departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the domestic season strengthened that view, till the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Gill got injured early on in the initial match and took no further part in the series. However, that fails to account for the team of the well below standard display in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members aspiring to long red-ball careers were shown as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second series sweep at home endured by India in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a spot in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail India's prospects of qualifying for the final of this season too.
From number three in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have dropped to number five. Even though nine more Tests are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the powerful Australians. But the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been clearly revealed. However, why the team have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that helped spin and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an aberration.
Currently, the team appear to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is struggling at home because home surfaces have been altered from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to succeed abroad.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars participate, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would present to them before.
Even though there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify why the side's results at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings post the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over the longer format.
This was clear in the performances of the side.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - came up short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem targeted just the players - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
