India's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's initial series triumph in India in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm built over the last several months has almost disappeared and the careers of multiple squad members - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover following the near-simultaneous departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the domestic season strengthened that view, before the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill got injured very early in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the squad of the well below standard display in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This was the second whitewash in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage the team's hopes of qualifying for the showpiece of this season too.
From number three in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to number five. Although nine more Tests are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the powerful Australians. But the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been badly exposed. However, why the team have struggled so much in Tests at home in recent times is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that helped spin and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an aberration.
Currently, the team seem easy pickings in their own backyard.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. 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 mattered most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing at home because home surfaces have been changed from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to do well overseas.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars play, has removed the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would challenge them with in the past.
While there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complicated issue, not only a few causes.
Experts and participants have highlighted multiple deficiencies after the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, arrogance, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the performances of the side.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - came up short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem also included not only the cricketers - the selection panel and support staff were also criticized, driven by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
