India's shocking 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory built over the past six months has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a seamless changeover after the close together departures of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the home season boosted that belief, till the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill was injured early on in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard showing in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and multiple individuals aspiring to lengthy Test careers were shown as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second clean sweep at home suffered by India in just a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail the team's prospects of reaching the decider of this season too.
From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Even though nine further games are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - including against the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been badly exposed. However, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Test matches at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, India were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Currently, India appear to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the home team's players when it mattered most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to perform better overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past.
Although there is validity in each argument, it fails to account for why India's performances on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not only a few causes.
Critics and players have highlighted multiple deficiencies post the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the displays of the squad.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but inadequately to secure victories.
Management Questions
The review didn't spare the entire setup - selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, fuelled by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
