India's surprising 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, the visiting team gave India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm established in the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of a number of cricketers - along with team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in England this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a successful handover after the close together retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the team of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and a few members aspiring to 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 in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a spot in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage India's chances of qualifying for the decider of this edition also.
After being third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to number five. Even though nine further games are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the powerful Australians. But the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. However, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an exception.
Today, the team look to be easy pickings at home.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they curated to help their style went wrong completely, as rivals exploited them better, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complicated issue, not only a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings after the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the team.
Cricketers such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - came up short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem targeted just the players - the selection panel and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
