India's surprising 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team gave India a record loss in Test cricket, against all odds. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory established in the past six months has all but vanished and the prospects of a number of cricketers - including team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Disappears
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous departures of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home campaign boosted that belief, till the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill got injured very early in the first Test and took no further part in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing showing in both Tests against the opposition.
Several established players took a hit, and several players eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second whitewash at home experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's prospects of qualifying for the decider of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Even though nine further games are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the strong Australian side. However the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's weakness in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. However, why India have fared so badly in Tests at home recently is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, India were considered invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Today, the team look to be easy pickings at home.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals exploited them better, outplaying the home team's players when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to perform better overseas.
A few mention that the IPL, in which many overseas players take part, has taken away the mystery and hardship home wickets would pose to them in the past.
Although there is validity in these views, it still does not explain the reason the side's results at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars point to a complicated issue, not limited to one or two factors.
Experts and participants have identified various flaws post India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the team.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - fell short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to win matches.
Management Questions
The review also included just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, fuelled by upset followers and vocal past stars. At the centre of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
