India's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the futures of several players - including head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a new captain, pointed to a successful handover post the close together retirements of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the team of the terribly sub-par display in each match against the opposition.
Several established players took a hit, and multiple individuals aspiring to long red-ball careers were exposed as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This was the second whitewash at home experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's chances of reaching the final of this cycle too.
After being third in the WTC table before the series, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Even though nine further games are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the mighty Aussies. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in Test cricket has been badly exposed. That said, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches at home lately is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were seen as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an exception.
Now, the team look to be beatable at home.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents exploited them better, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to succeed in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the IPL, in which several international stars play, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with in the past.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complicated issue, not only a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have identified several failings post India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the side.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The review targeted the entire setup - the selection panel and backroom team were also criticized, spurred on by upset followers and vocal past stars. At the centre of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
