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 handed India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory gained during the last several months has almost disappeared and the prospects of several players - including head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The young team's commendable display in the UK this season, under a new captain, suggested a successful handover post the almost concurrent exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the home season enhanced that perception, before the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill got injured very early in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the terribly sub-par display in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and several players hoping for lengthy Test careers were shown as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second series sweep at home experienced by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail the team's hopes of qualifying for the final of this season also.
After being third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Even though nine more Tests are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - including against the powerful Australians. However the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in Test cricket has been badly exposed. That said, why India have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an aberration.
Now, India appear to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they curated to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents exploited them better, surpassing the home team's players when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is floundering at home because home surfaces have been changed from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to do well overseas.
A few mention that the IPL, in which many overseas players take part, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would challenge them with before.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it still does not explain why India's performances at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players identify a complicated issue, not only a few causes.
Experts and participants have identified various flaws post India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, arrogance, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the showings of the side.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The review targeted the entire setup - team selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, fuelled by disappointed supporters and critical former players. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
