The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India a record Test defeat by runs, against all odds. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the futures of a number of cricketers - along with head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Disappears
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover following the near-simultaneous exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill got injured quickly in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard display in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and a few members aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were shown as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second series sweep in home conditions suffered by India in just a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage the team's hopes of qualifying for the final of this season as well.
From number three in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Though nine more Tests are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. But the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's weakness in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an aberration.
Now, India look to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the home team's players when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that India is failing at home because local wickets have been modified from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to perform better overseas.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars play, has reduced the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would pose to them earlier.
While there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason India's performances at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players diagnose a complicated issue, not just one or two factors.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings post the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, arrogance, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the squad.
Players like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted the entire setup - selectors and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
