India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of multiple squad members - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Disappears
The young team's impressive performance in England this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a successful handover post the near-simultaneous departures of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Gill was injured very early in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par showing in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and multiple individuals hoping for extended tenures in Tests were shown as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This represented the second clean sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage the team's hopes of qualifying for the final of this season as well.
After being third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to number five. Though nine additional matches are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been badly exposed. However, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home lately is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that helped spin and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an anomaly.
Now, the team seem easy pickings on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they curated to help their style failed miserably, as opponents exploited them better, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is floundering at home because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to succeed overseas.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past.
While there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain why the team's showings at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Most former players point to a multi-faceted challenge, not only a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings after the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and emphasizing white-ball over the longer format.
This was clear in the showings of the side.
Members 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 looking to cement their spot in the side - fell short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Management Questions
The post-mortem didn't spare not only the cricketers - the selection panel and coaching staff were also criticized, fuelled by distraught fans and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
