India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory established in the previous half-year has all but vanished and the futures of multiple squad members - including team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The young team's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a smooth transition after the close together retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the domestic season strengthened that view, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill was injured very early in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing showing in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and multiple individuals aspiring to long red-ball careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second clean sweep in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 win which essentially denied India a place in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming India's prospects of qualifying for the final of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine further games are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even against the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's weakness in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Tests at home recently is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against England, was considered an exception.
Now, India look to be easy pickings on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as rivals used them more effectively, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better abroad.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars participate, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would pose to them earlier.
Although there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify why the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players diagnose a complicated issue, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings following the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the side.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem didn't spare just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, driven by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
