India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. This represented the Proteas' first series win in India in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum built over the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of several players - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Disappears
The young team's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a successful handover following the close together departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the home season boosted that belief, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and multiple individuals hoping for lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second clean sweep on home soil endured by India in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage the team's prospects of qualifying for the final of this cycle also.
From number three in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have fallen to fifth place. Though nine additional matches are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why the team have performed so poorly in Tests at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Today, India seem easy pickings at home.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to do well overseas.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players take part, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past.
Although there is validity in each argument, it still does not explain why the team's showings on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just one or two factors.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings post the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the team.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - fell short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Management Questions
The review also included the entire setup - team selectors and support staff were also questioned, driven by upset followers and vocal past stars. At the centre of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
