The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It was the Proteas' first series win in India in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm established in the past six months has largely dissipated and the prospects of several players - as well as head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a smooth transition after the almost concurrent departures of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the team of the well below standard performance in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and a few members hoping for extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second whitewash on home soil endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 win which practically cost India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming India's chances of qualifying for the final of this season as well.
After being third in the WTC table before the series, India have dropped to number five. Even though nine further games are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even against the strong Australian side. But the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches at home recently is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, India were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an anomaly.
Currently, India appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, surpassing the home team's players when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars take part, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.
Even though there is validity in both analyses, it fails to account for why the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings following the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the team.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - fell short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Management Questions
The analysis also included just the players - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
