India's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the futures of multiple squad members - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Disappears
The emerging side's commendable display in England this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition after the close together retirements of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the home season boosted that belief, till the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill suffered an injury quickly in the initial match and took no further part in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the team of the highly disappointing 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 ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second series sweep at home endured by India in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail India's prospects of qualifying for the final of this season as well.
After being third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to number five. Even though nine additional matches are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even when facing the mighty Aussies. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. However, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an exception.
Today, the team look to be beatable on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they curated to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to do well abroad.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has reduced the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would present to them before.
Even though there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Most former players point to a complicated issue, not just one or two factors.
Critics and players have highlighted various flaws post the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the squad.
Cricketers such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Management Questions
The review also included the entire setup - selectors and backroom team were also under fire, spurred on by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
