India's surprising 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India a record Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It was South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of a number of cricketers - including head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The young team's commendable display in England this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a smooth transition after the almost concurrent exits of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, before the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill got injured quickly in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second whitewash at home endured by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa risks harming India's prospects of reaching the decider of this edition also.
After being third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have dropped to number five. Though nine further games are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - including against the powerful Australians. However the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. However, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Now, the team appear to be easy pickings at home.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they developed to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is failing at home because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has removed the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it fails to account for the reason the side's results on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a few causes.
Critics and players have pointed to several failings after India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, frequent changes of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over the longer format.
This was clear in the performances of the side.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - came up short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis also included not only the cricketers - the selection panel and support staff were also questioned, driven by upset followers and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
