India's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum gained during the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the prospects of a number of cricketers - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a new captain, pointed to a smooth transition after the almost concurrent exits of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the home season boosted that belief, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill got injured very early in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing performance in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This represented the second clean sweep in home conditions suffered by India in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming India's prospects of making the decider of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have fallen to number five. Although nine further games are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. Yet the failures against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches at home recently is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Now, India look to be vulnerable at home.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they curated to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue 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 abroad.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has removed the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would pose to them in the past.
Even though there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain the reason India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted multiple deficiencies following the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.
This was obvious in the showings of the squad.
Members such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included just the players - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, driven by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
