India's surprising 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm built over the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of several players - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Disappears
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a smooth transition after the near-simultaneous departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
India were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill suffered an injury early on in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the side of the well below standard showing in both Tests against the opposition.
Several established players were damaged, and multiple individuals hoping for long red-ball careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This was the second clean sweep at home endured by India in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming the team's prospects of making the decider of this edition too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have fallen to fifth place. Though nine additional matches are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - including against the strong Australian side. But the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why the team have performed so poorly in Tests at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an aberration.
Today, India appear to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they developed to help their style backfired spectacularly, as the opposition used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is floundering at home because local wickets have been altered from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to do well abroad.
A few mention that the IPL, in which many overseas players play, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to one or two factors.
Critics and players have pointed to various flaws post the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the side.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by upset followers and critical former players. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
