India's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa handed India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum built over the past six months has almost disappeared and the futures of multiple squad members - including head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The young team's impressive performance in England this season, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover post the almost concurrent retirements of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill was injured quickly in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the terribly sub-par performance in each match against the opposition.
Several established players were damaged, and multiple individuals aspiring to long red-ball careers were revealed to be still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
This represented the second series sweep at home endured by India in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa risks harming the team's chances of reaching the final of this season also.
From number three in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine further games are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even against the mighty Aussies. However the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's weakness in the longer format has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Test matches at home lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Currently, the team seem vulnerable on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they prepared to help their style went wrong completely, as rivals exploited them better, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing at home because local wickets have been modified from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to do well in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars play, has reduced the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would challenge them with in the past.
While there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it fails to account for why the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.
Critics and players have pointed to various flaws post India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over the longer format.
This was clear in the performances of the side.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - were found wanting in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by upset followers and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
