The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the prospects of multiple squad members - as well as head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a successful handover after the near-simultaneous retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard performance in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and multiple individuals hoping for extended tenures in Tests were shown as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second clean sweep on home soil endured by India in just over a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail the team's prospects of making the showpiece of this edition as well.
From number three in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to number five. Although nine more Tests are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even against the strong Australian side. However the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's frailty in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. However, why India have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Now, the team appear to be beatable on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they developed to favor their game went wrong completely, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing at home because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to succeed overseas.
Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has taken away the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would pose to them before.
While there is some truth in both analyses, it fails to account for the reason India's performances at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have identified various flaws after the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, poor choices, arrogance, frequent changes of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the displays of the squad.
Players such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included the entire setup - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
