India's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum built over the previous half-year has all but vanished and the careers of a number of cricketers - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Disappears
The emerging side's strong showing in England this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous exits of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season strengthened that view, before the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard performance in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and several players aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming the team's chances of making the decider of this edition too.
From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have fallen to the fifth spot. Even though nine more Tests are still to come, half of these are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even against the powerful Australians. However the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. However, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an anomaly.
Today, the team appear to be vulnerable at home.
Against New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they curated to help their style backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, beating the home team's players when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing at home because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.
Some point out 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 fails to account for the reason India's performances on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not just a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have identified multiple deficiencies post India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the team.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Management Questions
The review also included the entire setup - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, fuelled by distraught fans and vocal past stars. Under focus of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
