India's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India a record Test defeat by runs, against all odds. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum established in the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the careers of a number of cricketers - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The young team's commendable display in England this summer, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition post the close together retirements of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the home campaign boosted that belief, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the terribly sub-par display in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second series sweep in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a spot in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage the team's chances of making the showpiece of this season too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table before the series, the side have dropped to fifth place. Though nine additional matches are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even when facing the strong Australian side. Yet the failures against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why the team have struggled so much in Tests at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were seen as impregnable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an exception.
Today, the team look to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they developed to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as rivals used them more effectively, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to do well in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has taken away the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would pose to them earlier.
While there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it fails to account for why the team's showings on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Most former players diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not only a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have identified various flaws post India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, regular alterations of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the team.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - came up short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review also included just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also under fire, fuelled by distraught fans and vocal past stars. Under focus of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
