India's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum built over the previous half-year has all but vanished and the futures of a number of cricketers - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Disappears
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover post the almost concurrent retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the home campaign strengthened that view, before the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill was injured early on in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against the opposition.
Several established players were damaged, and several players aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Concerning History
This represented the second series sweep on home soil suffered by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 win which essentially denied India a place in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's hopes of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition also.
From number three in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to number five. Even though nine more Tests are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. Yet the failures against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have fared so badly in Tests at home recently is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Today, India look to be vulnerable at home.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals used them more effectively, beating the home team's players when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well abroad.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players participate, has taken away the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would pose to them earlier.
Although there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain the reason India's performances at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings post India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, frequent changes of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the squad.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to claim wins.
Management Questions
The review didn't spare not only the cricketers - the selection panel and backroom team were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
