India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum built over the past six months has almost disappeared and the futures of multiple squad members - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The young team's strong showing in the UK this season, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition post the near-simultaneous retirements of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season enhanced that perception, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill was injured early on in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing performance in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and several players hoping for long red-ball careers were shown as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second whitewash on home soil endured by India in just a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a place in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail the team's chances of reaching the final of this cycle as well.
After being third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to number five. Although nine more Tests are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even when facing the powerful Australians. But the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been clearly revealed. However, the reason India have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that helped spin and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an anomaly.
Now, India appear to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they prepared to help their style backfired spectacularly, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has removed the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason India's performances at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not only a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted various flaws after India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, regular alterations of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the squad.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but inadequately to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem targeted the entire setup - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
