India's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum built over the last several months has largely dissipated and the futures of multiple squad members - along with team coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a successful handover post the close together exits of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill suffered an injury very early in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the terribly sub-par showing in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second clean sweep in home conditions endured by India in just a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail India's prospects of reaching the decider of this cycle too.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Even though nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even against the strong Australian side. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. That said, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil recently is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Today, India look to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they prepared to favor their game went wrong completely, as rivals exploited them better, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to succeed overseas.
A few mention that the IPL, in which several international stars participate, has removed the mystery and hardship home wickets would pose to them earlier.
Although there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify why the side's results on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have pointed to several failings post the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the side.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - fell short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review also included not only the cricketers - the selection panel and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
