India's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. This represented the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the careers of several players - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Disappears
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a new captain, suggested a successful handover following the almost concurrent departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season boosted that belief, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard performance in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and a few members hoping for lengthy Test careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Concerning History
This was the second clean sweep on home soil experienced by India in just a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage the team's hopes of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition as well.
After being third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have fallen to number five. Although nine further games are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a major plus - even when facing the powerful Australians. Yet the failures against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an aberration.
Now, the team seem vulnerable on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as rivals used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to succeed overseas.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars take part, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with in the past.
Even though there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify why the team's showings at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not limited to one or two factors.
Critics and players have pointed to various flaws post the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the performances of the team.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - fell short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem didn't spare not only the cricketers - the selection panel and coaching staff were also criticized, spurred on by upset followers and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
