India's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, South Africa handed India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, against all odds. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the prospects of multiple squad members - as well as head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The young team's commendable display in England this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a smooth transition post the near-simultaneous departures of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the home season boosted that belief, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill suffered an injury very early in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing display in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and several players hoping for lengthy Test careers were revealed to be still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage India's chances of reaching the decider of this cycle too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have fallen to the fifth spot. Even though nine further games are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even against the powerful Australians. However the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Today, India seem easy pickings on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to succeed overseas.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars play, has taken away the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would pose to them in the past.
While there is validity in these views, it fails to account for why India's performances at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not only a few causes.
Experts and participants have identified various flaws following India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the team.
Members such as 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 looking to cement their position in the squad - came up short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not well enough to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem didn't spare the entire setup - team selectors and backroom team were also criticized, spurred on by upset followers and critical former players. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
