India's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, the visiting team gave India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum established in the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the futures of several players - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The young team's impressive performance in England this summer, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover after the close together exits of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the home season enhanced that perception, before the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill was injured early on in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and a few members aspiring to long red-ball careers were exposed as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second whitewash on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming the team's hopes of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have fallen to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the mighty Aussies. Yet the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Now, India look to be easy pickings on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they developed to help their style backfired spectacularly, as opponents exploited them better, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to succeed in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars participate, has removed the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would challenge them with before.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it fails to account for why India's performances on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players identify a complicated issue, not limited to a few causes.
Critics and players have identified multiple deficiencies post the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, poor choices, overconfidence, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the team.
Members such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review also included not only the cricketers - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and critical former players. Under focus of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
