India's surprising 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has almost disappeared and the futures of multiple squad members - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this season, under a different skipper, indicated a successful handover post the close together retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Gill was injured quickly in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the squad of the highly disappointing display in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second clean sweep on home soil endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 victory which practically cost India a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming India's chances of reaching the final of this season too.
From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Even though nine more Tests are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even when facing the strong Australian side. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests at home recently is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an exception.
Currently, the team appear to be easy pickings at home.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they curated to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as rivals exploited them better, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to perform better abroad.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players take part, has taken away the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them before.
Even though there is validity in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just one or two factors.
Critics and players have pointed to multiple deficiencies post the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, poor choices, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over the longer format.
This was evident in the showings of the team.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review targeted just the players - team selectors and support staff were also criticized, fuelled by upset followers and vocal past stars. At the centre of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
