India's surprising 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has largely dissipated and the careers of a number of cricketers - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The young team's impressive performance in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a successful handover after the close together retirements of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the terribly sub-par performance in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and several players hoping for extended tenures in Tests were shown as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Concerning History
It was the second whitewash in home conditions experienced by India in just a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage the team's chances of reaching the decider of this cycle too.
From number three in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have dropped to number five. Even though nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a major plus - including against the powerful Australians. However the failures against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. However, why the team have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an aberration.
Today, India seem beatable on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to perform better abroad.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars take part, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.
While there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it fails to account for the reason India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players point to a complicated issue, not just one or two factors.
Critics and players have highlighted various flaws after India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the team.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - fell short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
