India's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm established in the last several months has all but vanished and the careers of multiple squad members - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
The young team's strong showing in England this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a smooth transition after the close together retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the terribly sub-par performance in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
This was the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 victory which practically cost India a spot in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to South Africa risks harming India's prospects of qualifying for the decider of this season also.
From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have dropped to number five. Even though nine additional matches are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. But the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests at home lately is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an aberration.
Today, the team seem easy pickings at home.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they curated to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
Some suggest that India is struggling at home because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to do well in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would challenge them with in the past.
Even though there is validity in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have identified various flaws post the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, frequent changes of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.
This was evident in the showings of the team.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.
The review also included just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, driven by upset followers and critical former players. At the centre of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
Elena Hartwell is a multidisciplinary artist and educator passionate about fostering creative communities in London.