India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It was South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum gained during the past six months has largely dissipated and the careers of several players - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this season, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover following the near-simultaneous departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the home season enhanced that perception, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Gill was injured early on in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing showing in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This represented the second series sweep in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage the team's chances of reaching the final of this season as well.
From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to fifth place. Even though nine more Tests are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even when facing the powerful Australians. Yet the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why the team have fared so badly in Tests at home recently is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that helped spin and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Today, the team seem beatable on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to help their style went wrong completely, as rivals exploited them better, surpassing the home team's players when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to do well overseas.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them in the past.
Even though there is validity in these views, it still does not explain why the team's showings on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complicated issue, not only a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted various flaws following the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the team.
Cricketers like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The review also included just the players - the selection panel and support staff were also criticized, fuelled by distraught fans and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
