The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory built over the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the prospects of several players - as well as head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition following the close together departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the home campaign strengthened that view, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill suffered an injury early on in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the terribly sub-par performance in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as still inadequate - 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. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a spot in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage India's hopes of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle as well.
After being third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Although nine more Tests are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - including against the strong Australian side. But the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that helped spin and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Currently, India seem beatable on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they prepared to favor their game went wrong completely, as the opposition used them more effectively, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is failing at home because local wickets have been changed from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to succeed in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players participate, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would pose to them earlier.
Even though there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain the reason India's performances on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not only a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have highlighted various flaws post India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the team.
Cricketers like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - fell short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Management Questions
The analysis didn't spare just the players - selectors and backroom team were also criticized, spurred on by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
