India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's first series win in India in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the prospects of a number of cricketers - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition after the almost concurrent retirements of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the domestic season boosted that belief, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill got injured early on in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard performance in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals hoping for lengthy Test careers were exposed as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash at home experienced by India in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which essentially denied India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail India's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition as well.
After being third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine further games are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even when facing the powerful Australians. However the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why India have struggled so much in Tests at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Today, the team look to be beatable on home turf.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they developed to help their style failed miserably, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the home team's players when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling at home because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has removed the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would pose to them in the past.
Although there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Experts and participants have pointed to multiple deficiencies after the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the squad.
Members like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review also included not only the cricketers - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
