India's unexpected 0-2 loss 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 was the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory established in the previous half-year has all but vanished and the careers of several players - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition post the almost concurrent retirements of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill got injured quickly in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. Yet that fails to account for the side of the well below standard showing in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This was the second clean sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming India's prospects of reaching the showpiece of this cycle too.
From number three in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to number five. Although nine further games are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a huge advantage - including against the mighty Aussies. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason the team have fared so badly in Tests at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an aberration.
Currently, India seem beatable on home turf.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they developed to help their style failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to do well in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars participate, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would pose to them earlier.
While there is validity in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have pointed to various flaws after India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.
This was clear in the showings of the squad.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Management Questions
The review targeted not only the cricketers - the selection panel and coaching staff were also criticized, spurred on by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
