India's surprising 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm established in the last several months has largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this season, under a new captain, pointed to a successful handover post the near-simultaneous exits of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season strengthened that view, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were a bit unlucky that captain Gill suffered an injury quickly in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. But that fails to account for the team of the well below standard display in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing long red-ball careers were shown as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
It was the second clean sweep on home soil suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a place in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa risks harming the team's hopes of making the final of this cycle as well.
After being third in the WTC table before the series, India have been relegated to number five. Even though nine more Tests are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a major plus - including against the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's frailty in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. That said, why India have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil recently is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, India were seen as invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Currently, the team appear to be beatable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents exploited them better, surpassing the home team's players when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing at home because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to succeed in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars participate, has removed the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would pose to them earlier.
Although there is some truth in each argument, it fails to account for the reason India's performances at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players identify a complicated issue, not just one or two factors.
Critics and players have highlighted multiple deficiencies after India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over the longer format.
This was obvious in the showings of the squad.
Cricketers like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - fell short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not well enough to win matches.
Management Questions
The review didn't spare just the players - team selectors and backroom team were also questioned, driven by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press