India's unexpected 0-2 series 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 loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' first series win in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the careers of a number of cricketers - including team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a smooth transition post the near-simultaneous exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill was injured quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard display in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and several players hoping for extended tenures in Tests were shown as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second whitewash in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to South Africa risks harming India's hopes of reaching the final of this season too.
From number three in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have fallen to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a major plus - even against the powerful Australians. But the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been badly exposed. However, why the team have struggled so much in Test matches at home lately is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were seen as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Today, the team look to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to help their style went wrong completely, as the opposition used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed overseas.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would present to them in the past.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it does not clarify the reason India's performances at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to one or two factors.
Critics and players have highlighted multiple deficiencies after India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, frequent changes of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the side.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - came up short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem targeted the entire setup - team selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, fuelled by upset followers and vocal past stars. At the centre of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
