The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, the visiting team gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' first series win in India in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory built over the past six months has almost disappeared and the futures of a number of cricketers - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Disappears
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover post the close together departures of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the home season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. But that fails to account for the squad of the highly disappointing performance in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and multiple individuals hoping for long red-ball careers were exposed as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second clean sweep at home experienced by India in just a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage India's prospects of qualifying for the final of this cycle too.
From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have dropped to fifth place. Though nine more Tests are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even when facing the strong Australian side. But the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason India have struggled so much in Tests at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an exception.
Now, India seem vulnerable in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to succeed overseas.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars take part, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is some truth in both analyses, it fails to account for why the side's results on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Experts and participants have pointed to several failings post India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the side.
Members like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - fell short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to win matches.
Management Questions
The analysis targeted not only the cricketers - selectors and support staff were also criticized, driven by distraught fans and vocal past stars. Under focus of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
