India's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory established in the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the careers of multiple squad members - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The young team's strong showing in England this summer, under a new captain, suggested a successful handover following the close together retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign boosted that belief, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
India were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill was injured quickly in the initial match and took no further part in the series. However, that fails to account for the team of the terribly sub-par display in each match against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This represented the second whitewash at home experienced by India in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a berth in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail the team's hopes of reaching the final of this edition as well.
After being third in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have dropped to fifth place. Though nine additional matches are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even against the strong Australian side. But the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason the team have struggled so much in Test matches at home lately is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an aberration.
Currently, India seem vulnerable in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they developed to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering at home because home surfaces have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to do well overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has reduced the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would pose to them in the past.
While there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it does not clarify the reason India's performances on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not only one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to various flaws post India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the team.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - came up short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The review didn't spare not only the cricketers - team selectors and support staff were also under fire, spurred on by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
