India's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum gained during the last several months has largely dissipated and the futures of several players - along with team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Disappears
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition after the close together departures of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home season enhanced that perception, before the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and a few members hoping for long red-ball careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This represented the second whitewash on home soil experienced by India in just a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a berth in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage the team's hopes of making the decider of this season also.
From number three in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, India have fallen to the fifth spot. Though nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a major plus - even when facing the strong Australian side. Yet the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why India have struggled so much in Test matches at home lately is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an exception.
Currently, India look to be beatable in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals exploited them better, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is failing at home because local wickets have been modified from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to do well overseas.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players participate, has taken away the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with before.
While there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not just one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings after the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the side.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review targeted the entire setup - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by upset followers and critical former players. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
