India's surprising 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the futures of a number of cricketers - along with head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The emerging side's strong showing in England this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition after the almost concurrent exits of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the home season boosted that belief, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill suffered an injury quickly in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the team of the well below standard showing in each match against the opposition.
Several established players took a hit, and multiple individuals aspiring to long red-ball careers were shown as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail the team's chances of making the final of this season also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Though nine more Tests are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that helped spin and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an exception.
Now, the team appear to be easy pickings at home.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they curated to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the home team's players when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is struggling at home because local wickets have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to do well abroad.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars participate, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would pose to them in the past.
Even though there is validity in both analyses, it still does not explain why the side's results at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings following India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the squad.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis targeted the entire setup - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by distraught fans and critical former players. At the centre of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
