The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the futures of a number of cricketers - along with team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The young team's strong showing in England this summer, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover post the almost concurrent exits of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the home season strengthened that view, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill got injured quickly in the first Test and took no further part in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the side of the well below standard display in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals aspiring to long red-ball careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second clean sweep on home soil suffered by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a berth in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail India's hopes of reaching the final of this cycle too.
From number three in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to fifth place. Although nine additional matches are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. However the failures against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's weakness in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests at home lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that helped spin and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Today, India appear to be easy pickings on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition exploited them better, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to perform better abroad.
A few mention that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has taken away the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.
Even though there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain why India's performances at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings after the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, poor choices, overconfidence, regular alterations of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the side.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The review also included the entire setup - team selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, driven by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. At the centre of the criticism was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
