The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's maiden series victory 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 momentum built over the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the prospects of multiple squad members - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Disappears
The emerging side's commendable display in England this summer, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition after the close together departures of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the domestic season strengthened that view, before the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the well below standard showing in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and several players aspiring to lengthy Test careers were revealed to be still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second clean sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage the team's chances of making the showpiece of this season too.
From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Although nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even against the powerful Australians. However the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, why the team have struggled so much in Tests on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an exception.
Now, India look to be beatable on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they prepared to help their style backfired spectacularly, as the opposition exploited them better, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would pose to them earlier.
While there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have identified multiple deficiencies post India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the displays of the team.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - came up short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. At the centre of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
