The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. This represented the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm built over the last several months has all but vanished and the prospects of multiple squad members - along with head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this summer, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition post the close together retirements of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign strengthened that view, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par performance in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second clean sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage India's chances of reaching the decider of this edition as well.
From number three in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Though nine additional matches are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Test matches at home recently is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, India were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Currently, the team seem vulnerable on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as the opposition exploited them better, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is floundering at home because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to perform better abroad.
A few mention that the IPL, in which many overseas players take part, has removed the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with in the past.
While there is some truth in each argument, it fails to account for why India's performances on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not only a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have identified various flaws following India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the displays of the team.
Cricketers like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, driven by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
