The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' first series win in India in a quarter-century and India's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory gained during the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the careers of several players - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this season, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition after the near-simultaneous departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the home season strengthened that view, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill was injured early on in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. But that fails to account for the team of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals aspiring to lengthy Test careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
It was the second series sweep at home experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 win which practically cost India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage the team's prospects of making the showpiece of this edition too.
From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have been relegated to number five. Though nine additional matches are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even against the powerful Australians. However the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's frailty in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, why India have fared so badly in Test matches at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Now, the team appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that India is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to fast tracks to train the squad to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has taken away the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with before.
Even though there is validity in each argument, it fails to account for why the team's showings at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not just a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings after the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the squad.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and 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.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The review didn't spare the entire setup - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, fuelled by distraught fans and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
