India's shocking 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in India in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the careers of several players - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this season, under a new captain, pointed to a successful handover post the close together exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the side of the highly disappointing display in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and several players aspiring to long red-ball careers were shown as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second clean sweep at home experienced by India in just a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 win which essentially denied India a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming India's hopes of making the final of this edition too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Even though nine more Tests are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even against the powerful Australians. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil recently is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an exception.
Today, India appear to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they developed to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing at home because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to succeed abroad.
A few mention that the IPL, in which many overseas players take part, has taken away the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would present to them before.
While there is validity in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings post the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the showings of the squad.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - fell short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not well enough to win matches.
Management Questions
The analysis also included not only the cricketers - team selectors and support staff were also criticized, spurred on by upset followers and critical former players. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
