The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India a record Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum established in the last several months has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - along with team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a successful handover after the almost concurrent retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill was injured early on in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing display in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and several players aspiring to lengthy Test careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This was the second whitewash at home experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a berth in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail India's chances of qualifying for the final of this season too.
After being third in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Even though nine more Tests are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - including against the powerful Australians. However the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. That said, why India have fared so badly in Test matches at home recently is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, India were considered impregnable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an anomaly.
Currently, India seem vulnerable on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they developed to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the home team's players when it counted the most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to perform better in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players take part, has taken away the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would present to them earlier.
Although there is validity in these views, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complicated issue, not only a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have highlighted several failings following the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, regular alterations of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the squad.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - came up short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review also included the entire setup - team selectors and backroom team were also under fire, spurred on by distraught fans and critical former players. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
