India's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, South Africa gave India a record loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It was South Africa's first series win in India in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm established in the past six months has largely dissipated and the prospects of multiple squad members - along with team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The emerging side's commendable display in England this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a seamless changeover post the almost concurrent retirements of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill got injured very early in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. But that fails to account for the team of the highly disappointing display in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second whitewash at home experienced by India in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's prospects of reaching the final of this season too.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, India have dropped to number five. Even though nine more Tests are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even against the powerful Australians. However the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. That said, why the team have performed so poorly in Test matches at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an exception.
Today, the team seem vulnerable at home.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they curated to favor their game failed miserably, as the opposition exploited them better, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that India is struggling at home because local wickets have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to perform better abroad.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which many overseas players take part, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past.
Even though there is validity in these views, it still does not explain why India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complicated issue, not only one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have identified various flaws after India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, poor choices, arrogance, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the squad.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - came up short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not well enough to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The review also included the entire setup - the selection panel and support staff were also criticized, spurred on by disappointed supporters and critical former players. Under focus of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
