India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm built over the past six months has almost disappeared and the prospects of a number of cricketers - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Disappears
The emerging side's impressive performance in England this season, under a different skipper, suggested a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous departures of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign strengthened that view, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill was injured very early in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. Yet that fails to account for the side of the highly disappointing display in each match against South Africa.
Several established players were damaged, and multiple individuals aspiring to long red-ball careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage the team's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition also.
After being third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have been relegated to number five. Even though nine more Tests are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even against the powerful Australians. But the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. However, why India have performed so poorly in Tests at home in recent times is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, India were considered unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Currently, the team seem easy pickings at home.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they curated to help their style backfired spectacularly, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the home team's players when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that India is struggling at home because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed abroad.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would present to them in the past.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Most former players diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a few causes.
Experts and participants have highlighted several failings post India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, arrogance, frequent changes of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the side.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not well enough to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The review targeted the entire setup - team selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, driven by disappointed supporters and critical former players. At the centre of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
