The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's another home failure in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of several players - as well as head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Disappears
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this season, under a different skipper, indicated a seamless changeover following the near-simultaneous exits of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Gill was injured early on in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing performance in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second clean sweep at home experienced by India in just a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 victory which practically cost India a berth in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail India's hopes of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle also.
From number three in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Though nine additional matches are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even when facing the powerful Australians. However the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, why the team have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil lately is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an aberration.
Today, India look to be vulnerable on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they developed to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to perform better overseas.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars play, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would pose to them before.
Although there is validity in these views, it does not clarify the reason India's performances at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to various flaws after India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the side.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - fell short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis didn't spare just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
