India's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and India's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the prospects of multiple squad members - including head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this season, under a new captain, suggested a seamless changeover following the almost concurrent exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the home season strengthened that view, till the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the highly disappointing showing in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and several players aspiring to lengthy Test careers were exposed as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second whitewash in home conditions experienced by India in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 win which effectively cost India a place in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail the team's chances of reaching the final of this edition as well.
From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Though nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - including against the strong Australian side. However the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been clearly revealed. That said, why India have fared so badly in Tests at home recently is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an exception.
Today, India look to be vulnerable at home.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they curated to favor their game went wrong completely, as opponents used them more effectively, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to succeed overseas.
Some point out that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would pose to them earlier.
Even though there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars point to a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Experts and participants have pointed to multiple deficiencies after India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the squad.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - came up short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The review targeted the entire setup - the selection panel and coaching staff were also criticized, driven by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
