India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm established in the last several months has largely dissipated and the prospects of several players - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Disappears
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a seamless changeover post the close together retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the domestic season strengthened that view, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill got injured very early in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the side of the well below standard showing in the two games against the opposition.
Several established players were damaged, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were shown as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This represented the second whitewash on home soil suffered by India in just a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 victory which practically cost India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail the team's prospects of making the final of this edition too.
After being third in the Test championship standings before the series, India have been relegated to number five. Though nine additional matches are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even when facing the strong Australian side. But the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's weakness in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason the team have struggled so much in Test matches at home lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an anomaly.
Now, India appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to favor their game went wrong completely, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to succeed in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players take part, has removed the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them before.
While there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not only a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have highlighted several failings after India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, arrogance, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the performances of the team.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - were found wanting in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to win matches.
Management Questions
The review targeted not only the cricketers - the selection panel and support staff were also criticized, spurred on by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
