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, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory built over the past six months has largely dissipated and the futures of a number of cricketers - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The emerging side's commendable display in England this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a seamless changeover following the almost concurrent departures of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the domestic season strengthened that view, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill got injured very early in the first Test and took no further part in the series. Yet that fails to account for the squad of the terribly sub-par showing in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and a few members aspiring to lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second clean sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a spot in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail India's hopes of making the decider of this edition also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to fifth place. Even though nine further games are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even against the powerful Australians. But the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, India were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an exception.
Now, India seem beatable on home turf.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the home team's players when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to do well overseas.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars play, has taken away the surprise and difficulty home wickets would pose to them earlier.
While there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a few causes.
Experts and participants have pointed to various flaws post the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was obvious in the showings of the squad.
Players such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare not only the cricketers - the selection panel and support staff were also criticized, spurred on by distraught fans and critical former players. Under focus of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
