The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's first series win in India in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory established in the last several months has almost disappeared and the futures of several players - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a successful handover following the near-simultaneous exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill suffered an injury very early in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the highly disappointing showing in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This represented the second whitewash on home soil endured by India in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a spot in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail India's hopes of qualifying for the showpiece of this season as well.
From number three in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Although nine additional matches are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the powerful Australians. However the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, why the team have struggled so much 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 at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Today, India appear to be easy pickings at home.
Against the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the IPL, in which many overseas players take part, has removed the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
While there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complicated issue, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have identified various flaws post India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the side.
Players such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - were found wanting in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to secure victories.
Management Questions
The review targeted the entire setup - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
