India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm established in the last several months has all but vanished and the futures of several players - as well as head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a smooth transition after the almost concurrent exits of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home season boosted that belief, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill got injured early on in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. But that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par performance in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second clean sweep on home soil suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage the team's hopes of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition as well.
After being third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to number five. Although nine additional matches are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even against the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's weakness in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. However, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Currently, India look to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as rivals used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing at home because home surfaces have been altered from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed abroad.
A few mention that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would present to them in the past.
Although there is validity in both analyses, it fails to account for the reason the side's results on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not just a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have pointed to various flaws following India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the side.
Players like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - fell short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Management Questions
The post-mortem also included the entire setup - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
