India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Disappears
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover post the near-simultaneous exits of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the domestic season enhanced that perception, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill suffered an injury quickly in the initial match and took no further part in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the team of the highly disappointing performance in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
It was the second clean sweep on home soil experienced by India in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage India's hopes of making the final of this edition also.
After being third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to number five. Although nine more Tests are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. But the failures against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, India were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Now, the team look to be easy pickings on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they prepared to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the home team's players when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to perform better abroad.
A few mention that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would pose to them in the past.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it fails to account for why India's performances at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars point to a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings after the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.
This was clear in the showings of the team.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - were found wanting in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - selectors and support staff were also criticized, fuelled by distraught fans and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
