The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, South Africa handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' first series win in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has largely dissipated and the futures of multiple squad members - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The emerging side's commendable display in England this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a successful handover after the near-simultaneous retirements of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the home season boosted that belief, until the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the side of the well below standard display in each match against the opposition.
Several established players took a hit, and several players aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
This represented the second series sweep in home conditions endured by India in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail India's chances of reaching the final of this cycle also.
From number three in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to number five. Although nine further games are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a major plus - including against the mighty Aussies. But the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been badly exposed. That said, why India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Currently, India look to be vulnerable on home turf.
Against New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to favor their game failed miserably, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to do well overseas.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would pose to them earlier.
Although there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Most former players diagnose a complicated issue, not limited to one or two factors.
Critics and players have pointed to various flaws after India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the side.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - came up short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review targeted the entire setup - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the criticism was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
