India's shocking 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's first series win in India in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory established in the last several months has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a different skipper, suggested a successful handover post the almost concurrent exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the home season boosted that belief, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill got injured early on in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. However, that fails to account for the team of the well below standard display in each match against the opposition.
Several established players were damaged, and several players hoping for extended tenures in Tests were shown as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second whitewash at home endured by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage India's chances of qualifying for the final of this edition as well.
After being third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. Yet the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an exception.
Currently, India look to be easy pickings on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to do well overseas.
A few mention that the IPL, in which many overseas players take part, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would pose to them before.
While there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted various flaws after India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over the longer format.
This was evident in the showings of the side.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - fell short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review targeted not only the cricketers - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
