India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. This represented the Proteas' first series win in India in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm built over the last several months has largely dissipated and the futures of several players - as well as head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a successful handover after the close together departures of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill got injured early on in the initial match and took no further part in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and several players hoping for long red-ball careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second series sweep on home soil experienced by India in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's chances of making the decider of this season also.
From number three in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Though nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even against the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, why the team have struggled so much in Test matches at home in recent times is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an exception.
Currently, India appear to be easy pickings at home.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they developed to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as the opposition exploited them better, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling at home because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to do well in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players play, has removed the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
Even though there is validity in each argument, it still does not explain why India's performances on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not only one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to various flaws following India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the team.
Players such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The review didn't spare just the players - selectors and support staff were also criticized, spurred on by disappointed supporters and critical former players. In the spotlight of the criticism was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
