India's shocking 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home 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 head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this season, under a new captain, suggested a seamless changeover after the almost concurrent retirements of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill suffered an injury quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and multiple individuals aspiring to lengthy Test careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second clean sweep on home soil suffered by India in just over a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail India's prospects of making the final of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, India have fallen to number five. Although nine more Tests are still to come, half of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the mighty Aussies. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's frailty in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, why the team have performed so poorly in Tests at home recently is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against England, was considered an exception.
Today, India seem vulnerable at home.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, surpassing the home team's players when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to do well overseas.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
While there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it does not clarify why the side's results at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted multiple deficiencies after India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, arrogance, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over the longer format.
This was obvious in the performances of the side.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but inadequately to claim wins.
Management Questions
The analysis targeted the entire setup - team selectors and support staff were also criticized, spurred on by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
