India's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the prospects of a number of cricketers - along with head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a seamless changeover after the close together retirements of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the home season strengthened that view, until the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill was injured early on in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard performance in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and multiple individuals aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were shown as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
This was the second whitewash on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming India's chances of making the final of this season as well.
From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Even though nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - including against the mighty Aussies. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why the team have performed so poorly in Tests at home recently is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Now, the team appear to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they developed to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to succeed overseas.
Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has taken away the surprise and difficulty home wickets would challenge them with before.
While there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings after India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the side.
Members such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - fell short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review also included not only the cricketers - team selectors and backroom team were also questioned, driven by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
