India's shocking 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' first series win in India in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory built over the past six months has almost disappeared and the futures of several players - as well as team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Disappears
The young team's impressive performance in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition following the close together exits of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign strengthened that view, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill got injured quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the side of the highly disappointing display in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail India's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle too.
After being third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to fifth place. Although nine further games are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a huge advantage - including against the powerful Australians. Yet the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. However, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Tests at home lately is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an aberration.
Today, the team seem easy pickings on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they curated to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as rivals used them more effectively, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that India is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better overseas.
Some point out that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has taken away the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would challenge them with in the past.
Even though there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify the reason India's performances on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complicated issue, not just a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted multiple deficiencies after the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the team.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review also included just the players - selectors and support staff were also questioned, spurred on by distraught fans and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
