The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's another home failure in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the prospects of several players - along with head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Disappears
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition after the almost concurrent retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, until the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard showing in the two games against the opposition.
Several established players suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing 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 series sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a berth in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming India's chances of making the decider of this season also.
From number three in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, India have fallen to fifth place. Though nine further games are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the mighty Aussies. Yet the failures against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been badly exposed. That said, why the team have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, India were seen as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an aberration.
Currently, the team look to be easy pickings at home.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they developed to help their style went wrong completely, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to succeed overseas.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty home wickets would pose to them before.
Even though there is validity in each argument, it does not clarify the reason India's performances on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Critics and players have identified multiple deficiencies after India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the squad.
Players such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - fell short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also criticized, spurred on by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
