The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India a record Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It marked South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum gained during the past six months has all but vanished and the futures of multiple squad members - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition post the near-simultaneous exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the home season boosted that belief, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Gill was injured early on in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. But that fails to account for the squad of the well below standard performance in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second clean sweep at home suffered by India in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage India's chances of making the showpiece of this edition as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to number five. Although nine further games are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even against the strong Australian side. But the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's weakness in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why India have performed so poorly in Test matches at home recently is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Currently, the team look to be vulnerable on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they prepared to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as opponents exploited them better, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to perform better overseas.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars play, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would pose to them earlier.
Although there is validity in each argument, it does not clarify the reason the side's results on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings post India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was obvious in the performances of the side.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - fell short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included the entire setup - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
