The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory established in the last several months has all but vanished and the prospects of several players - along with team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Disappears
The young team's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a smooth transition following the almost concurrent exits of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the home season enhanced that perception, till the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill got injured quickly in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the side of the highly disappointing display in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and a few members hoping for extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second clean sweep on home soil endured by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage India's chances of qualifying for the decider of this cycle also.
After being third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to fifth place. Even though nine further games are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a major plus - even against the powerful Australians. But the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in the longer format has been badly exposed. However, why the team have struggled so much in Test matches at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an exception.
Now, the team appear to be beatable at home.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents exploited them better, surpassing the home team's players when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to perform better overseas.
Some point out that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would present to them in the past.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars identify a complicated issue, not only a few causes.
Experts and participants have highlighted various flaws following the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the squad.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - fell short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not well enough to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - team selectors and backroom team were also criticized, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
