India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum built over the last several months has almost disappeared and the futures of several players - as well as head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The young team's strong showing in the UK this season, under a different skipper, suggested a seamless changeover following the close together departures of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign boosted that belief, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the team of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against the opposition.
Several established players were damaged, and several players eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second whitewash on home soil experienced by India in just a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage India's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have dropped to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the mighty Aussies. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, India were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against England, was considered an exception.
Now, India appear to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they curated to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing at home because home surfaces have been changed from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better abroad.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has removed the mystery and hardship home wickets would pose to them earlier.
While there is some truth in both analyses, it fails to account for why India's performances at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complicated issue, not just one or two factors.
Critics and players have pointed to several failings after the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the team.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Management Questions
The review didn't spare just the players - the selection panel and support staff were also criticized, fuelled by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
