India's surprising 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It was the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of several players - along with head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Disappears
The young team's commendable display in England this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a seamless changeover post the near-simultaneous departures of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard showing in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second whitewash on home soil endured by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail India's hopes of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle also.
From number three in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to number five. Even though nine more Tests are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even when facing the strong Australian side. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, why the team have struggled so much in Tests on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an exception.
Currently, the team seem vulnerable on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they curated to help their style failed miserably, as opponents exploited them better, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that India is failing at home because home surfaces have been modified from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to perform better abroad.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them in the past.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it still does not explain why the side's results on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to one or two factors.
Experts and participants have identified multiple deficiencies following the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, regular alterations of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the team.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - fell short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem also included not only the cricketers - selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, spurred on by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
