India's surprising 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has all but vanished and the prospects of a number of cricketers - including head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The emerging side's impressive performance in England this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a successful handover post the near-simultaneous exits of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, till the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and a few members aspiring to long red-ball careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
It was the second whitewash in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail India's hopes of reaching the decider of this cycle as well.
From number three in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, India have fallen to number five. Although nine further games are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a major plus - including against the strong Australian side. But the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in the longer format has been badly exposed. However, why India have fared so badly in Test matches at home recently is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, India were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an aberration.
Now, the team seem easy pickings in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they developed to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as rivals exploited them better, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering at home because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to do well overseas.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars play, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would pose to them before.
Although there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify the reason India's performances at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a few causes.
Critics and players have pointed to multiple deficiencies following the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the squad.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare the entire setup - selectors and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by distraught fans and critical former players. Under focus of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
