India's surprising 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm established in the last several months has all but vanished and the prospects of multiple squad members - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a smooth transition following the almost concurrent retirements of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were a bit unlucky that captain Gill got injured early on in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. However, that fails to account for the side of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and multiple individuals hoping for lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
This represented the second whitewash at home endured by India in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 win which practically cost India a berth in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming the team's hopes of reaching the final of this cycle also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Though nine further games are still to come, half of these are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even when facing the powerful Australians. However the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. However, why the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were considered unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an aberration.
Today, India look to be beatable in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they curated to help their style failed miserably, as rivals exploited them better, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to perform better in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would challenge them with in the past.
While there is validity in these views, it fails to account for why India's performances at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Most former players diagnose a complicated issue, not just a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted multiple deficiencies following the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, arrogance, frequent changes of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the squad.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - fell short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted the entire setup - selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, driven by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
