India's surprising 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's another home failure in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the futures of multiple squad members - including head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a successful handover following the almost concurrent departures of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the domestic season boosted that belief, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing display in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and a few members aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
This represented the second whitewash in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage India's hopes of qualifying for the showpiece of this season also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Although nine further games are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. However the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. However, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, India were regarded as invincible in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that helped spin and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an aberration.
Currently, India look to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the home team's players when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is failing at home because local wickets have been modified from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to do well abroad.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which many overseas players participate, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with earlier.
While there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it does not clarify why the side's results on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings post the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the team.
Members like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - fell short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, 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 under fire, spurred on by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
