India's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It was the Proteas' first series win in India in a quarter-century and India's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm established in the last several months has all but vanished and the prospects of a number of cricketers - along with head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The young team's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a successful handover following the almost concurrent departures of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill got injured very early in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the terribly sub-par showing in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and several players hoping for extended tenures in Tests were shown as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash on home soil suffered by India in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage India's prospects of qualifying for the final of this edition too.
After being third in the WTC table before the series, the side have fallen to fifth place. Even though nine further games are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a major plus - even when facing the powerful Australians. But the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why the team have struggled so much in Tests at home lately is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an exception.
Currently, India look to be easy pickings on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as rivals exploited them better, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is struggling at home because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to perform better in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would present to them before.
Although there is some truth in both analyses, it fails to account for why the side's results at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings following India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the squad.
Cricketers such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
