India's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of a number of cricketers - along with head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this season, under a new captain, pointed to a smooth transition post the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the home season boosted that belief, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
India were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill suffered an injury quickly in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the team of the terribly sub-par display in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and several players aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were shown as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second whitewash on home soil endured by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a spot in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage the team's hopes of making the final of this season as well.
After being third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have been relegated to number five. Although nine additional matches are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a huge advantage - including against the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been badly exposed. That said, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home recently is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Now, the team look to be beatable on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they curated to favor their game failed miserably, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to do well abroad.
Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars play, has reduced the surprise and difficulty home wickets would present to them in the past.
Even though there is validity in these views, it does not clarify why the side's results at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have identified various flaws after India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over the longer format.
This was obvious in the performances of the side.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - fell short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare just the players - the selection panel and support staff were also questioned, spurred on by upset followers and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
