India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the futures of a number of cricketers - including head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a seamless changeover following the almost concurrent exits of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign strengthened that view, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill got injured early on in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the terribly sub-par display in the two games 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.
Worrying Trend
This was the second whitewash on home soil suffered by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which essentially denied India a place in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming the team's prospects of reaching the decider of this edition as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings before the series, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Though nine more Tests are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a major plus - even when facing the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. That said, why the team have fared so badly in Tests at home recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an anomaly.
Currently, India look to be easy pickings on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition exploited them better, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to perform better in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would pose to them earlier.
Although there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to one or two factors.
Critics and players have pointed to various flaws following the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over the longer format.
This was evident in the performances of the side.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, driven by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
