The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team gave India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm built over the last several months has largely dissipated and the futures of a number of cricketers - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Disappears
The young team's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition post the near-simultaneous departures of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season strengthened that view, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and multiple individuals hoping for lengthy Test careers were shown as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second clean sweep at home suffered by India in just a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a spot in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming the team's chances of reaching the final of this season as well.
After being third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to number five. Even though nine additional matches are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a major plus - including against the strong Australian side. However the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. That said, the reason the team have fared so badly in Tests at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an exception.
Today, India appear to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they curated to favor their game went wrong completely, as the opposition exploited them better, outplaying the home team's players when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is failing at home because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to fast tracks to train the squad to perform better overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has taken away the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would present to them earlier.
While there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it fails to account for why the side's results on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Most former players diagnose a complicated issue, not only a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings after India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the side.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - team selectors and support staff were also questioned, spurred on by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
