India's surprising 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's another home failure in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm built over the past six months has all but vanished and the prospects of several players - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Disappears
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this season, under a new captain, pointed to a smooth transition post the near-simultaneous departures of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill got injured very early in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the squad of the highly disappointing showing in each match against the opposition.
Several established players took a hit, and a few members hoping for extended tenures in Tests were shown as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a spot in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail India's hopes of reaching the final of this season also.
After being third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Although nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even against the powerful Australians. But the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. That said, the reason India have struggled so much in Tests at home recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were considered invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an exception.
Currently, India seem vulnerable on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they developed to help their style failed miserably, as rivals used them more effectively, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering at home because local wickets have been changed from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to do well overseas.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would challenge them with earlier.
Although there is validity in both analyses, it fails to account for the reason India's performances at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players point to a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.
Experts and participants have identified several failings following the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the squad.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included not only the cricketers - the selection panel and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
