India's surprising 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, the visiting team handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum established in the last several months has almost disappeared and the futures of multiple squad members - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a smooth transition after the near-simultaneous departures of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the team of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Concerning History
This was the second clean sweep in home conditions suffered by India in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage the team's hopes of reaching the final of this cycle too.
From number three in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, India have fallen to the fifth spot. Though nine additional matches are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - including against the mighty Aussies. But the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why India have fared so badly in Tests at home recently is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an aberration.
Currently, the team look to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they prepared to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as opponents exploited them better, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is struggling at home because home surfaces have been altered from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to perform better abroad.
A few mention that the IPL, in which several international stars play, has taken away the mystery and hardship home wickets would pose to them before.
Although there is some truth in both analyses, it fails to account for why the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complicated issue, not just a few causes.
Experts and participants have highlighted several failings after the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the side.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi 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 spot in the side - were found wanting in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not well enough to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis didn't spare not only the cricketers - the selection panel and coaching staff were also under fire, fuelled by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
