India's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, South Africa handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has all but vanished and the futures of multiple squad members - including head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The young team's commendable display in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a smooth transition post the close together retirements of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign boosted that belief, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and several players eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash on home soil endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail India's chances of qualifying for the decider of this edition too.
After being third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even when facing the strong Australian side. However the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. That said, why India have fared so badly in Test matches at home recently is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an aberration.
Today, India appear to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they prepared to favor their game went wrong completely, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that India is failing at home because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to do well overseas.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has taken away the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would pose to them in the past.
Even though there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify why the side's results at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a few causes.
Critics and players have pointed to multiple deficiencies following the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the squad.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - came up short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but inadequately to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis didn't spare not only the cricketers - the selection panel and support staff were also questioned, driven by disappointed supporters and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
