India's surprising 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum established in the past six months has all but vanished and the prospects of several players - along with head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a successful handover following the close together retirements of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill was injured early on in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard performance in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second series sweep in home conditions endured by India in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this season as well.
After being third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have been relegated to fifth place. Though nine more Tests are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even against the powerful Australians. But the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why the team have struggled so much in Tests at home lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an anomaly.
Today, the team look to be easy pickings at home.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition exploited them better, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering at home because home surfaces have been altered from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to succeed in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players take part, has taken away the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past.
Even though there is validity in each argument, it does not clarify why the team's showings on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Most former players identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a few causes.
Critics and players have identified multiple deficiencies following India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, overconfidence, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the squad.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - fell short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review also included just the players - selectors and support staff were also under fire, driven by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
