The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of several players - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The young team's impressive performance in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a seamless changeover after the almost concurrent departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign strengthened that view, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill got injured early on in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard showing in both Tests against the opposition.
Several established players suffered, and several players hoping for extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This was the second series sweep on home soil suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage the team's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition as well.
From number three in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Though nine more Tests are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even when facing the strong Australian side. However the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. That said, why India have performed so poorly in Test matches at home recently is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an aberration.
Today, the team look to be beatable in their own backyard.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they curated to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to do well in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has taken away the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would challenge them with before.
While there is validity in each argument, it still does not explain the reason the side's results at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars point to a multi-faceted challenge, not just one or two factors.
Experts and participants have highlighted several failings after India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, poor choices, arrogance, frequent changes of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the side.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - came up short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The review targeted the entire setup - the selection panel and support staff were also criticized, spurred on by distraught fans and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
