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.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum established in the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the careers of multiple squad members - along with team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The emerging side's impressive performance in England this season, under a new captain, suggested a successful handover after the almost concurrent departures of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the home season enhanced that perception, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill got injured very early in the first Test and took no further part in the series. However, that fails to account for the side of the highly disappointing performance in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second whitewash at home suffered by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage India's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this season as well.
From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Though nine more Tests are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil lately is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an aberration.
Today, the team look to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they developed to help their style backfired spectacularly, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing at home because local wickets have been changed from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed overseas.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which many overseas players play, has removed the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would challenge them with before.
Even though there is validity in each argument, it fails to account for why the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players diagnose a complicated issue, not just a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have pointed to several failings following the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the side.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - came up short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not well enough to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The review didn't spare not only the cricketers - the selection panel and support staff were also under fire, spurred on by distraught fans and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
