The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a 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 - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a successful handover following the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the home season boosted that belief, until the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
India were a bit unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. Yet that fails to account for the side of the well below standard display in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second series sweep at home endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which practically cost India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming India's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition too.
After being third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to fifth place. Even though nine additional matches are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a major plus - including against the mighty Aussies. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason India have performed so poorly in Test matches at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Currently, India seem vulnerable on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to favor their game failed miserably, as the opposition exploited them better, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to do well overseas.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players take part, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with before.
Even though there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify why the side's results at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not only one or two factors.
Critics and players have highlighted various flaws post the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the side.
Players like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The review also included just the players - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, driven by disappointed supporters and critical former players. In the spotlight of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
