India's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's first series win in India in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory gained during the last several months has almost disappeared and the futures of multiple squad members - along with head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a smooth transition following the close together exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the side of the highly disappointing performance in both Tests against the opposition.
Several established players were damaged, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second whitewash in home conditions suffered by India in just a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a spot in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming India's prospects of making the decider of this edition also.
From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have fallen to fifth place. Even though nine additional matches are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the powerful Australians. However the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Now, India look to be easy pickings at home.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they curated to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that India is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
While there is validity in these views, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have identified various flaws following India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, arrogance, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the showings of the team.
Players such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included not only the cricketers - selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, spurred on by distraught fans and critical former players. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
