India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa handed India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum built over the last several months has largely dissipated and the futures of several players - along with team coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this season, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition following the almost concurrent exits of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the domestic season strengthened that view, before the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the first Test and took no further part in the series. But that fails to account for the squad of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and a few members aspiring to long red-ball careers were shown as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This represented the second clean sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 victory which practically cost India a spot in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail India's prospects of qualifying for the final of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have fallen to number five. Even though nine additional matches are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a major plus - including against the strong Australian side. However the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason India have performed so poorly in Test matches at home recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Now, India appear to be vulnerable at home.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents exploited them better, beating the home team's players when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering at home because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
Although there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain the reason the side's results on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complicated issue, not only a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings following India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over the longer format.
This was clear in the performances of the squad.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review also included not only the cricketers - the selection panel and support staff were also questioned, driven by disappointed supporters and critical former players. Under focus of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press