The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm built over the past six months has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The young team's commendable display in England this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a successful handover post the close together retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home season boosted that belief, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. But that fails to account for the squad of the highly disappointing display in each match against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and several players hoping for long red-ball careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This represented the second series sweep at home endured by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 win which practically cost India a berth in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail India's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Though nine more Tests are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even when facing the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why India have fared so badly in Tests at home lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an aberration.
Now, the team look to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they curated to help their style went wrong completely, as rivals used them more effectively, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that India is failing at home because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to succeed in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them before.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason India's performances at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.
Experts and participants have pointed to various flaws after India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was obvious in the showings of the side.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare not only the cricketers - team selectors and backroom team were also questioned, driven by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
