India's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has all but vanished and the careers of several players - along with head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a smooth transition after the close together exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the home season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill was injured very early in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard display in each match against the opposition.
Several established players were damaged, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second whitewash in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage the team's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this season too.
After being third in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Even though nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - including against the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, India were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Today, the team seem easy pickings in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents exploited them better, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing at home because home surfaces have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to perform better overseas.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars take part, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is validity in both analyses, it still does not explain why the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complicated issue, not only a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have identified several failings after India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the squad.
Players like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The review targeted not only the cricketers - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, driven by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
