India's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's first series win in India in two and a half decades and India's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the careers of several players - along with team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Disappears
The young team's commendable display in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover following the almost concurrent departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the home season strengthened that view, before the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Gill suffered an injury quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. But that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and several players hoping for extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This was the second clean sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage India's hopes of qualifying for the final of this cycle as well.
After being third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to fifth place. Although nine further games are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a major plus - including against the mighty Aussies. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's weakness in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why India have struggled so much in Tests at home recently is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, India were considered invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an aberration.
Now, India appear to be beatable at home.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they developed to help their style went wrong completely, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling at home because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to do well abroad.
A few mention that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would pose to them before.
Although there is some truth in these views, it fails to account for why the side's results at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Most former players diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a few causes.
Experts and participants have pointed to several failings after India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, overconfidence, frequent changes of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the side.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - were found wanting in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
