India's surprising 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum established in the past six months has all but vanished and the futures of multiple squad members - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The young team's strong showing in England this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a smooth transition following the close together retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign boosted that belief, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. However, that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par performance in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and a few members hoping for lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Concerning History
It was the second whitewash in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail India's prospects of qualifying for the decider of this cycle also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have dropped to number five. Although nine additional matches are still to come, half of these are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even against the powerful Australians. However the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Tests at home lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Today, India seem easy pickings in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they prepared to help their style failed miserably, as rivals exploited them better, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to perform better abroad.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has removed the surprise and difficulty home wickets would challenge them with earlier.
While there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it fails to account for why the side's results at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a few causes.
Critics and players have highlighted multiple deficiencies post India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was obvious in the showings of the team.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - fell short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis also included just the players - team selectors and backroom team were also under fire, fuelled by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
