India's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum established in the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the careers of several players - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a new captain, suggested a seamless changeover following the close together exits of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the home season boosted that belief, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill was injured very early in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the squad of the well below standard display in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and several players aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were shown as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second clean sweep at home suffered by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming the team's prospects of qualifying for the final of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table before the series, the side have dropped to fifth place. Although nine additional matches are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even when facing the strong Australian side. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Tests at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an exception.
Now, India appear to be beatable in their own backyard.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they curated to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals used them more effectively, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to perform better abroad.
Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars participate, has taken away the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them before.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not just one or two factors.
Critics and players have highlighted various flaws post India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the performances of the team.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Management Questions
The review targeted just the players - the selection panel and support staff were also under fire, driven by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. At the centre of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
