India's surprising 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's another home failure in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the careers of several players - as well as head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a new captain, suggested a successful handover after the near-simultaneous retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the home season boosted that belief, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill got injured very early in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. However, that fails to account for the squad of the well below standard showing in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
It was the second clean sweep at home endured by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to South Africa risks harming India's chances of reaching the final of this edition too.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have fallen to fifth place. Even though nine additional matches are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a significant benefit - including against the strong Australian side. However the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil recently is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were seen as impregnable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Now, the team look to be beatable on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they prepared to favor their game went wrong completely, as opponents exploited them better, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that India is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to perform better abroad.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would pose to them in the past.
Although there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complicated issue, not only a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have identified various flaws following India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the team.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included the entire setup - team selectors and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
