India's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has largely dissipated and the futures of several players - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Disappears
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a smooth transition following the almost concurrent exits of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the home season enhanced that perception, till the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill got injured early on in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard performance in both Tests against the opposition.
Several established players were damaged, and a few members hoping for extended tenures in Tests were shown as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This was the second clean sweep at home suffered by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's chances of making the showpiece of this cycle as well.
After being third in the WTC table before the series, the side have dropped to number five. Though nine more Tests are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a significant benefit - including against the powerful Australians. But the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. However, why the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, India were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Now, India seem easy pickings on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they prepared to help their style backfired spectacularly, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering at home because local wickets have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to do well in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has taken away the mystery and hardship home wickets would pose to them earlier.
While there is validity in these views, it fails to account for the reason the side's results on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complicated issue, not only a few causes.
Experts and participants have highlighted several failings after India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the squad.
Cricketers like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted the entire setup - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
