India's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in India in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the futures of several players - as well as head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Disappears
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous retirements of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill got injured very early in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and several players hoping for extended tenures in Tests were shown as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
It was the second series sweep in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 win which practically cost India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage India's prospects of making the showpiece of this cycle as well.
After being third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even when facing the mighty Aussies. Yet the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, why India have struggled so much in Test matches at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an exception.
Now, India appear to be vulnerable at home.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they curated to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the home team's players when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is struggling at home because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to succeed abroad.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
While there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it still does not explain why the side's results at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars point to a complicated issue, not just a few causes.
Experts and participants have pointed to various flaws post the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, frequent changes of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the side.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - came up short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included not only the cricketers - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
