India's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum established in the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the futures of a number of cricketers - including head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in England this summer, under a new captain, suggested a successful handover after the almost concurrent retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard showing in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail India's chances of making the decider of this season as well.
After being third in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have fallen to fifth place. Though nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even against the powerful Australians. Yet the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason India have performed so poorly in Test matches at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an exception.
Today, India appear to be beatable in their own backyard.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they curated to favor their game went wrong completely, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to do well in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which many overseas players take part, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would challenge them with before.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it fails to account for why the team's showings at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complicated issue, not just a few causes.
Experts and participants have identified multiple deficiencies after the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, poor choices, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the side.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - came up short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.
Management Questions
The analysis didn't spare just the players - the selection panel and support staff were also under fire, driven by upset followers and critical former players. At the centre of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press