India's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover post the almost concurrent departures of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season strengthened that view, till the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill suffered an injury early on in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals aspiring to lengthy Test careers were exposed as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second whitewash on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming the team's prospects of qualifying for the final of this edition also.
From number three in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Although nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a huge advantage - including against the mighty Aussies. Yet the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's weakness in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, why the team have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an aberration.
Currently, the team seem beatable at home.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they developed to help their style backfired spectacularly, as opponents exploited them better, beating the home team's players when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering at home because home surfaces have been changed from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to do well in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars take part, has reduced the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would present to them in the past.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not just a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to various flaws post India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the squad.
Members like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Management Questions
The analysis targeted just the players - team selectors and support staff were also under fire, driven by upset followers and vocal past stars. Under focus of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
