India's shocking 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory established in the past six months has largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a seamless changeover after the close together departures of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season strengthened that view, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill was injured very early in the initial match and took no further part in the series. Yet that fails to account for the team of the well below standard display in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second whitewash in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail India's prospects of making the decider of this season as well.
After being third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Although nine more Tests are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even against the strong Australian side. However the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why India have fared so badly in Tests at home in recent times is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Currently, India appear to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they developed to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents exploited them better, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering at home because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to perform better overseas.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars participate, has taken away the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with earlier.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason India's performances at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to various flaws post India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the showings of the team.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - came up short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem targeted the entire setup - selectors and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by distraught fans and critical former players. At the centre of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
