India's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory established in the last several months has almost disappeared and the careers of several players - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a new captain, suggested a successful handover after the near-simultaneous retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Gill was injured very early in the initial match and took no further part in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard performance in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and several players hoping for lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail India's prospects of making the showpiece of this cycle also.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have fallen to fifth place. Though nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even when facing the strong Australian side. But the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in the longer format has been badly exposed. However, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil lately is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that helped spin and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Currently, India appear to be easy pickings on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they curated to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition exploited them better, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is floundering in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to do well abroad.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has taken away the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would pose to them earlier.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it still does not explain why India's performances on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to various flaws after India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, overconfidence, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over the longer format.
This was clear in the showings of the team.
Members such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - came up short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, driven by upset followers and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press