India's shocking 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory built over the last several months has all but vanished and the careers of a number of cricketers - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Disappears
The young team's strong showing in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous exits of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign strengthened that view, before the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and several players hoping for long red-ball careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This was the second clean sweep at home experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition as well.
From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Though nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even when facing the strong Australian side. However the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, why India have struggled so much in Test matches at home in recent times is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Currently, India look to be beatable in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as the opposition exploited them better, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to succeed in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has taken away the surprise and difficulty home wickets would pose to them before.
Although there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain why India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars point to a complicated issue, not just a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have identified multiple deficiencies following India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the squad.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - fell short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Management Questions
The analysis targeted just the players - selectors and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. At the centre of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
