India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' first series win in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the careers of several players - as well as team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The young team's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a seamless changeover post the almost concurrent exits of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season strengthened that view, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill got injured quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing display in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and multiple individuals hoping for extended tenures in Tests were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This represented the second clean sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa risks harming the team's prospects of reaching the decider of this season too.
From number three in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have dropped to number five. Although nine further games are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, why the team have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil recently is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that helped spin and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an aberration.
Now, the team look to be beatable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is failing at home because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to do well abroad.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars take part, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify the reason India's performances at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted various flaws post India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the squad.
Players like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.
Management Questions
The post-mortem targeted just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also criticized, fuelled by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. Under focus of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
