India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory built over the past six months has all but vanished and the careers of a number of cricketers - along with head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The young team's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a seamless changeover following the almost concurrent exits of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Gill got injured quickly in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the terribly sub-par display in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
It was the second clean sweep in home conditions endured by India in just a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail the team's prospects of qualifying for the decider of this cycle too.
From number three in the WTC table before the series, the side have fallen to number five. Though nine more Tests are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - including against the strong Australian side. Yet the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's weakness in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil lately is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an aberration.
Today, the team appear to be easy pickings at home.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they curated to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents exploited them better, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to do well overseas.
A few mention that the IPL, in which several international stars participate, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would present to them before.
Even though there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain the reason India's performances at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complicated issue, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings after India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the team.
Players such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - fell short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Management Questions
The review didn't spare just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, driven by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. Under focus of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
