India's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum gained during the past six months has all but vanished and the careers of several players - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Disappears
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover following the almost concurrent departures of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the highly disappointing display in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Concerning History
This represented the second whitewash at home endured by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail India's chances of making the showpiece of this cycle also.
From number three in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have fallen to the fifth spot. Although nine more Tests are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the mighty Aussies. However the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. That said, why the team have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil lately is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Now, India appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as opponents exploited them better, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to succeed in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has reduced the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would challenge them with earlier.
While there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain why the team's showings on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not just a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted multiple deficiencies following India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over the longer format.
This was obvious in the showings of the squad.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.
Management Questions
The analysis targeted the entire setup - team selectors and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
