India's shocking 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa gave India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' first series win in India in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the futures of a number of cricketers - along with team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home season enhanced that perception, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill got injured early on in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. But that fails to account for the squad of the terribly sub-par showing in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and several players aspiring to long red-ball careers were shown as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second series sweep in home conditions endured by India in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's hopes of making the decider of this edition too.
From number three in the WTC table before the series, the side have fallen to fifth place. Even though nine additional matches are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Now, India look to be beatable in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that India is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to succeed in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the IPL, in which several international stars participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would pose to them in the past.
Even though there is validity in both analyses, it still does not explain why the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players point to a complicated issue, not limited to a few causes.
Experts and participants have pointed to multiple deficiencies following India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the team.
Players such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - were found wanting in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included not only the cricketers - the selection panel and support staff were also criticized, driven by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
