India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team gave India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum built over the last several months has all but vanished and the careers of multiple squad members - as well as head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition post the almost concurrent retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the home campaign boosted that belief, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill got injured very early in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par display in the two games against the opposition.
Several established players suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep on home soil endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming the team's prospects of qualifying for the final of this edition too.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have been relegated to fifth place. Even though nine additional matches are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even when facing the strong Australian side. Yet the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an exception.
Today, the team seem easy pickings in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they developed to favor their game went wrong completely, as opponents used them more effectively, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to succeed in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars play, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would present to them in the past.
While there is some truth in each argument, it fails to account for why the team's showings on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have identified multiple deficiencies following the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the team.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - came up short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Management Questions
The analysis didn't spare not only the cricketers - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by upset followers and vocal past stars. At the centre of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
