India's surprising 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has all but vanished and the prospects of several players - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The young team's commendable display in England this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a successful handover post the close together retirements of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the home season enhanced that perception, before the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill suffered an injury early on in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. Yet that fails to account for the team of the highly disappointing showing in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and a few members aspiring to long red-ball careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second clean sweep on home soil endured by India in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail India's hopes of making the decider of this edition as well.
From number three in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Though nine further games are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - including against the strong Australian side. However the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in Test cricket has been badly exposed. However, why the team have performed so poorly in Test matches at home recently is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Currently, the team appear to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they curated to favor their game went wrong completely, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to succeed overseas.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with earlier.
Although there is some truth in each argument, it fails to account for why the team's showings at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have identified multiple deficiencies following India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.
This was clear in the showings of the side.
Members like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review targeted just the players - selectors and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
