India's surprising 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has all but vanished and the careers of multiple squad members - including team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a successful handover after the close together exits of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season boosted that belief, until the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill got injured very early in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. But that fails to account for the team of the well below standard showing in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and a few members aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were shown as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep on home soil experienced by India in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa risks harming India's prospects of reaching the final of this season also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to number five. Although nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even when facing the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an exception.
Currently, the team appear to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, beating the home team's players when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is floundering in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to do well in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has removed the surprise and difficulty home wickets would present to them before.
While there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Most former players diagnose a complicated issue, not only one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have identified multiple deficiencies post India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the side.
Players such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - were found wanting in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.
Management Questions
The review didn't spare just the players - team selectors and backroom team were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
