The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, the visiting team gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm built over the last several months has largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - including head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a smooth transition following the close together departures of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Gill was injured very early in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the side of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against the opposition.
Several established players took a hit, and multiple individuals hoping for long red-ball careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second series sweep at home endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming India's prospects of reaching the final of this edition as well.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, India have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine additional matches are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. That said, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home lately is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Now, the team look to be beatable on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to help their style backfired spectacularly, as the opposition exploited them better, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is failing at home because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to succeed in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has removed the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
Although there is validity in these views, it still does not explain the reason the side's results at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have identified multiple deficiencies after India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the squad.
Players such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - came up short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The review didn't spare the entire setup - team selectors and backroom team were also questioned, driven by upset followers and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
