India's surprising 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the futures of a number of cricketers - including head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover following the close together retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign boosted that belief, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard display in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and a few members hoping for long red-ball careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
It was the second clean sweep at home experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage the team's prospects of reaching the showpiece of this season too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have dropped to number five. Although nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even when facing the strong Australian side. But the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. However, why India have struggled so much in Test matches at home recently is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an exception.
Now, India seem vulnerable in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering at home because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to do well overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars play, has reduced the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would pose to them earlier.
Although there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain why the team's showings at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Most former players diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Experts and participants have identified multiple deficiencies after the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over the longer format.
This was evident in the displays of the squad.
Players such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - came up short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The review targeted not only the cricketers - the selection panel and coaching staff were also under fire, driven by distraught fans and critical former players. At the centre of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
