The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm built over the past six months has largely dissipated and the futures of multiple squad members - along with head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Disappears
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a successful handover after the close together departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill got injured very early in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. However, that fails to account for the squad of the well below standard performance in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and a few members hoping for long red-ball careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This was the second clean sweep on home soil endured by India in just a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage the team's hopes of making the showpiece of this edition too.
From number three in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have dropped to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even when facing the mighty Aussies. However the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. However, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home lately is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an exception.
Now, the team look to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they developed to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to do well in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars play, has removed the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with before.
While there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it does not clarify why the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not only a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have pointed to various flaws after the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the squad.
Players such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - fell short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not well enough to win matches.
Management Questions
The analysis also included just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by distraught fans and critical former players. Under focus of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
