The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's another home failure in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has almost disappeared and the prospects of multiple squad members - along with head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a successful handover following the almost concurrent retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill was injured early on in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the side of the highly disappointing showing in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second series sweep at home experienced by India in just over a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a place in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage the team's prospects of making the showpiece of this season too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Though nine further games are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against England, was considered an exception.
Today, the team seem vulnerable in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to help their style backfired spectacularly, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would pose to them before.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason India's performances on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just one or two factors.
Experts and participants have pointed to several failings after India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, arrogance, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.
This was obvious in the showings of the side.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - came up short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review also included just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, spurred on by upset followers and critical former players. Under focus of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
