India's surprising 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It was South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm built over the past six months has all but vanished and the careers of a number of cricketers - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this season, under a different skipper, suggested a successful handover post the close together retirements of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the home season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill got injured quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. But that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par performance in each match against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second whitewash at home suffered by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a place in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail India's hopes of reaching the showpiece of this edition too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Although nine more Tests are still to come, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - including against the strong Australian side. But the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests at home recently is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an exception.
Now, India appear to be beatable at home.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents used them more effectively, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has taken away the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would challenge them with earlier.
While there is validity in these views, it fails to account for why India's performances on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not just one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to multiple deficiencies after the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the team.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - fell short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but inadequately to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare the entire setup - the selection panel and support staff were also criticized, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
