India's shocking 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, the visiting team gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' first series win in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum gained during the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the careers of several players - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Disappears
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this season, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover post the almost concurrent departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the domestic season strengthened that view, until the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par showing in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members hoping for extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not up to the mark - 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 the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa risks harming the team's prospects of making the decider of this season as well.
From number three in the WTC rankings before the series, India have been relegated to number five. Though nine more Tests are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. However the failures against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in the longer format has been badly exposed. That said, why India have performed so poorly in Tests at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an aberration.
Today, India appear to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they curated to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as the opposition used them more effectively, surpassing the home team's players when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to do well overseas.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would pose to them earlier.
Even though there is validity in each argument, it does not clarify the reason the side's results on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Most former players diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a few causes.
Experts and participants have pointed to various flaws after the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, frequent changes of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.
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 lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted the entire setup - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
