India's surprising 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, the visiting team gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum gained during the past six months has largely dissipated and the futures of several players - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a seamless changeover following the almost concurrent departures of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the home season strengthened that view, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill suffered an injury very early in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the team of the highly disappointing display in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and several players hoping for long red-ball careers were exposed as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This was the second whitewash on home soil suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a berth in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming India's prospects of making the decider of this edition as well.
After being third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Although nine further games are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an aberration.
Now, India appear to be vulnerable at home.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they developed to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as rivals used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to succeed in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars take part, has taken away the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.
Even though there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.
Experts and participants have pointed to multiple deficiencies after the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the side.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review also included not only the cricketers - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
