India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa handed India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It was South Africa's first series win in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the futures of several players - along with team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Disappears
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this season, under a new captain, pointed to a seamless changeover after the close together departures of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill got injured very early in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the side of the terribly sub-par display in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and several players aspiring to lengthy Test careers were shown as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep at home endured by India in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a spot in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming India's chances of qualifying for the final of this season too.
From number three in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have fallen to number five. Although nine more Tests are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a major plus - including against the powerful Australians. However the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches at home lately is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an exception.
Currently, the team look to be beatable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to help their style failed miserably, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering at home because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well abroad.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them before.
Although there is validity in each argument, it does not clarify why the team's showings at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have identified various flaws post the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, arrogance, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the side.
Members like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but inadequately to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - the selection panel and support staff were also criticized, driven by distraught fans and critical former players. At the centre of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
