India's surprising 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It was South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm established in the past six months has almost disappeared and the prospects of multiple squad members - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a successful handover after the close together retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season strengthened that view, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill was injured early on in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the terribly sub-par display in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second whitewash at home experienced by India in just a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage the team's prospects of reaching the showpiece of this cycle too.
From number three in the Test championship standings before the series, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Even though nine further games are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a major plus - even when facing the strong Australian side. However the failures against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. However, the reason India have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an aberration.
Now, the team appear to be beatable at home.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they curated to favor their game went wrong completely, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to succeed in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has reduced the surprise and difficulty home wickets would present to them earlier.
Even though there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to one or two factors.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings post India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the showings of the squad.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - came up short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The review targeted just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, fuelled by distraught fans and critical former players. Under focus of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
