India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India a record Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' first series win in India in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the prospects of several players - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a successful handover after the near-simultaneous departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season boosted that belief, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill got injured early on in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the side of the well below standard showing in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second whitewash at home suffered by India in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a berth in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage the team's chances of qualifying for the decider of this season as well.
From number three in the WTC table before the series, India have been relegated to number five. Though nine further games are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. But the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Today, the team look to be beatable at home.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents exploited them better, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to succeed abroad.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would challenge them with before.
While there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify the reason India's performances on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have highlighted multiple deficiencies post the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, arrogance, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the squad.
Members such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem targeted just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by disappointed supporters and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
