India's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, the visiting team gave India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory built over the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of a number of cricketers - including head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The young team's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover post the almost concurrent exits of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the home campaign boosted that belief, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing showing in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and multiple individuals aspiring to long red-ball careers were shown as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second clean sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage the team's prospects of qualifying for the final of this cycle as well.
After being third in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have dropped to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even when facing the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. However, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an aberration.
Today, India look to be vulnerable on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they developed to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents exploited them better, outplaying the home team's players when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering at home because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to perform better in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars participate, has removed the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would pose to them before.
Although there is some truth in these views, it fails to account for the reason India's performances at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars identify a complicated issue, not only one or two factors.
Critics and players have pointed to various flaws after the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, overconfidence, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.
This was evident in the performances of the squad.
Players such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review targeted not only the cricketers - team selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, spurred on by upset followers and critical former players. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
