The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the prospects of multiple squad members - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The emerging side's impressive performance in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition after the close together departures of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign boosted that belief, until the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the team of the well below standard performance in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This was the second whitewash on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 win which effectively cost India a spot in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage the team's prospects of making the decider of this season as well.
After being third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to number five. Though nine further games are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even against the strong Australian side. But the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home lately is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were seen as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an anomaly.
Currently, India appear to be easy pickings on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to do well overseas.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has taken away the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them before.
While there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain why the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars point to a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to one or two factors.
Critics and players have pointed to several failings after the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the team.
Players like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - fell short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem didn't spare the entire setup - selectors and backroom team were also under fire, spurred on by upset followers and critical former players. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
