India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, the visiting team handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' first series win in India in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum established in the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the futures of a number of cricketers - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in England this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, before the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill got injured very early in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the squad of the highly disappointing display in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and multiple individuals aspiring to long red-ball careers were exposed as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second clean sweep on home soil experienced by India in just a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail India's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this season as well.
From number three in the WTC table before the series, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Even though nine further games are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even when facing the strong Australian side. But the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. That said, the reason India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that helped spin and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an exception.
Now, India seem vulnerable in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to help their style backfired spectacularly, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the home team's players when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to succeed in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would pose to them in the past.
Although there is validity in these views, it still does not explain the reason India's performances on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have pointed to several failings after the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the team.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - came up short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - team selectors and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
