India's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and India's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm built over the past six months has almost disappeared and the futures of multiple squad members - along with head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a seamless changeover following the near-simultaneous exits of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season strengthened that view, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Gill was injured quickly in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. But that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par showing in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and several players hoping for long red-ball careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second series sweep on home soil suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a spot in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming the team's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this season too.
After being third in the WTC table before the series, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Even though nine more Tests are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. However the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil lately is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an exception.
Now, India seem easy pickings in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals used them more effectively, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing at home because local wickets have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to do well in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has removed the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would present to them in the past.
While there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain why the side's results on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Most former players identify a complicated issue, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have highlighted multiple deficiencies following India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the squad.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare not only the cricketers - the selection panel and support staff were also criticized, driven by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
