India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the futures of several players - along with team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Disappears
The young team's impressive performance in England this season, under a new captain, pointed to a successful handover following the almost concurrent retirements of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the home campaign strengthened that view, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing display in each match against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and several players eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second whitewash on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's chances of making the showpiece of this edition as well.
From number three in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Although nine more Tests are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even against the mighty Aussies. However the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason the team have fared so badly in Tests at home lately is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, India were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an aberration.
Currently, the team appear to be vulnerable at home.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they developed to favor their game failed miserably, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the home team's players when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to perform better overseas.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would pose to them before.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it still does not explain the reason India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players identify a complicated issue, not only a few causes.
Experts and participants have identified various flaws after the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the showings of the side.
Players like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - came up short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem targeted not only the cricketers - team selectors and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the criticism was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
