India's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the futures of multiple squad members - including head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition post the near-simultaneous exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the home season strengthened that view, till the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill was injured quickly in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the highly disappointing showing in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This represented the second series sweep at home suffered by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage the team's hopes of qualifying for the final of this season also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to number five. Though nine additional matches are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even when facing the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been clearly revealed. However, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Currently, India appear to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they developed to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as rivals used them more effectively, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling at home because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to succeed abroad.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars take part, has reduced the surprise and difficulty home wickets would pose to them before.
Even though there is some truth in each argument, it fails to account for why the team's showings on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars identify a complicated issue, not limited to a few causes.
Critics and players have pointed to various flaws after India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the team.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - came up short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review targeted just the players - team selectors and backroom team were also questioned, driven by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
