The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, South Africa handed India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum established in the last several months has almost disappeared and the prospects of a number of cricketers - as well as head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover following the almost concurrent exits of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign strengthened that view, until the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill was injured early on in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the side of the well below standard showing in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and multiple individuals 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 in home conditions suffered by India in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which essentially denied India a berth in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage India's hopes of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle also.
From number three in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Though nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. However the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason India have performed so poorly in Test matches at home recently is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that helped spin and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Now, India look to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the home team's players when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that India is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to do well overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players participate, has removed the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain why the team's showings on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not only a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to various flaws post India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the squad.
Cricketers like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - fell short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review also included just the players - selectors and backroom team were also criticized, spurred on by distraught fans and vocal past stars. At the centre of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
