The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, South Africa handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of several players - along with head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The young team's strong showing in England this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover post the near-simultaneous retirements of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season strengthened that view, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill was injured early on in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the highly disappointing display in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and multiple individuals aspiring to long red-ball careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second clean sweep on home soil endured by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's prospects of making the decider of this season as well.
After being third in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Though nine further games are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a major plus - even when facing the mighty Aussies. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches at home in recent times is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an exception.
Currently, India appear to be easy pickings on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is floundering at home because local wickets have been changed from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to do well overseas.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars participate, has taken away the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them before.
Even though there is validity in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason the side's results on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not only a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings post India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the side.
Cricketers such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare just the players - team selectors and backroom team were also under fire, driven by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
