The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa gave India a record Test defeat by runs, against all odds. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in India in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm established in the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of several players - along with head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous departures of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the home campaign boosted that belief, until the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill got injured very early in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the side of the well below standard performance in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members aspiring to lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This was the second whitewash on home soil endured by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which effectively cost India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage India's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this season as well.
After being third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Even though nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - including against the powerful Australians. Yet the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches at home in recent times is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that helped spin and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an aberration.
Today, India look to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they developed to help their style failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is failing at home because home surfaces have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars participate, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would pose to them before.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not just one or two factors.
Experts and participants have identified multiple deficiencies following the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over the longer format.
This was evident in the showings of the side.
Members like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - fell short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Management Questions
The review also included not only the cricketers - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, driven by distraught fans and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
