India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the just finished Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, South Africa handed India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum built over the last several months has almost disappeared and the prospects of a number of cricketers - including head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Disappears
The emerging side's commendable display in England this season, under a different skipper, suggested a smooth transition following the almost concurrent exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign strengthened that view, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing showing in each match against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This was the second whitewash on home soil endured by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to South Africa risks harming the team's hopes of making the final of this cycle too.
From number three in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Though nine more Tests are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even when facing the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an exception.
Today, the team seem beatable in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they curated to help their style backfired spectacularly, as rivals exploited them better, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing at home because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to perform better abroad.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars play, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would challenge them with earlier.
While there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it still does not explain why the team's showings at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars identify a complicated issue, not limited to one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted multiple deficiencies following the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the squad.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The review targeted not only the cricketers - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, driven by distraught fans and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
