India's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the careers of a number of cricketers - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this summer, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover following the near-simultaneous retirements of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members aspiring to lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second series sweep at home suffered by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail the team's chances of reaching the final of this edition also.
After being third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, India have fallen to fifth place. Though nine additional matches are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even when facing the mighty Aussies. However the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why India have performed so poorly in Tests at home recently is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Now, the team appear to be beatable in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is floundering at home because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to perform better overseas.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which many overseas players participate, has removed the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is validity in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason the side's results on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complicated issue, not just one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings after India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the team.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted not only the cricketers - the selection panel and backroom team were also under fire, driven by distraught fans and vocal past stars. Under focus of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
