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 gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It was South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory established in the past six months has all but vanished and the futures of a number of cricketers - as well as head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Disappears
The emerging side's strong showing in England this season, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition post the close together exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the domestic season boosted that belief, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill was injured early on in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. Yet that fails to account for the side of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals hoping for extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This was the second clean sweep on home soil experienced by India in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage India's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition too.
From number three in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have dropped to number five. Though nine further games are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even when facing the powerful Australians. But the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. However, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Tests at home lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an exception.
Today, India look to be vulnerable at home.
Facing New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they curated to favor their game failed miserably, as rivals exploited them better, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to perform better abroad.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which many overseas players play, has taken away the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them before.
Even though there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain why India's performances at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players point to a multi-faceted challenge, not just one or two factors.
Critics and players have identified various flaws following India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the team.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - fell short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Management Questions
The analysis also included not only the cricketers - selectors and support staff were also under fire, spurred on by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
