India's surprising 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's first series win in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm built over the past six months has almost disappeared and the prospects of multiple squad members - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The young team's impressive performance in England this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a successful handover after the almost concurrent retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, till the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the initial match and took no further part in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second whitewash in home conditions suffered by India in just over a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to South Africa risks harming India's hopes of making the final of this cycle too.
After being third in the WTC table before the series, the side have dropped to fifth place. Although nine further games are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the disasters 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 significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as impregnable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an aberration.
Now, India seem beatable on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they developed to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to do well in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has taken away the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would challenge them with in the past.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it does not clarify why India's performances at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings post India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the squad.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis didn't spare just the players - team selectors and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by distraught fans and vocal past stars. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
