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 gave India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's first series win in India in a quarter-century and India's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the prospects of several players - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this season, under a new captain, pointed to a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the home season boosted that belief, until the Proteas turned up and handed out 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. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and multiple individuals hoping for extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second whitewash at home suffered by India in just a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail India's prospects of making the decider of this edition as well.
From number three in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to fifth place. Although nine additional matches are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - including against the powerful Australians. However the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil recently is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as impregnable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an exception.
Now, India seem beatable in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they curated to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering at home because local wickets have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to perform better overseas.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars take part, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with before.
Although there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify the reason the side's results at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Most former players diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have identified various flaws after India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the side.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The review also included just the players - team selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, spurred on by upset followers and vocal past stars. Under focus of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
