India's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm built over the past six months has largely dissipated and the futures of a number of cricketers - including team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The young team's impressive performance in England this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a smooth transition post the close together retirements of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the home season boosted that belief, till the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill got injured quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par showing in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This was the second clean sweep at home endured by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail India's hopes of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition too.
After being third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the strong Australian side. But the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's weakness in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. However, the reason India have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil recently is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Today, the team appear to be vulnerable at home.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing at home because local wickets have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to succeed abroad.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which several international stars play, has reduced the surprise and difficulty home wickets would challenge them with in the past.
While there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain why the team's showings at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complicated issue, not only one or two factors.
Experts and participants have identified several failings post India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the team.
Members such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - were found wanting in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not well enough to claim wins.
Management Questions
The review didn't spare the entire setup - selectors and support staff were also questioned, spurred on by upset followers and critical former players. Under focus of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
