India's surprising 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm built over the last several months has all but vanished and the prospects of a number of cricketers - along with team coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a seamless changeover following the close together exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the South Africans turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the side of the well below standard display in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and a few members hoping for long red-ball careers were shown as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This represented the second whitewash in home conditions experienced by India in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a place in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail India's prospects of reaching the final of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have been relegated to number five. Though nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the strong Australian side. But the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. That said, the reason the team have struggled so much in Test matches at home lately is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Today, India appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they developed to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that India is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to do well abroad.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has taken away the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with before.
While there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complicated issue, not only a few causes.
Experts and participants have pointed to several failings after India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the squad.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - fell short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem targeted just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also criticized, fuelled by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
