The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 series 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 their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' first series win in India in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - along with head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The young team's impressive performance in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill got injured very early in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par showing in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash on home soil endured by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage India's prospects of making the showpiece of this season also.
After being third in the WTC rankings before the series, India have dropped to number five. Even though nine additional matches are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Tests at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an aberration.
Now, India look to be beatable in their own backyard.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they curated to favor their game went wrong completely, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to perform better overseas.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players play, has taken away the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would pose to them earlier.
While there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it still does not explain the reason India's performances on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Critics and players have highlighted various flaws after the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the squad.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, fuelled by disappointed supporters and critical former players. At the centre of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
