India's shocking 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in India in 25 years and India'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 futures of several players - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Disappears
The young team's strong showing in England this season, under a new captain, suggested a seamless changeover after the almost concurrent departures of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. Yet that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par showing in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals hoping for extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second clean sweep at home endured by India in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail India's hopes of reaching the showpiece of this season too.
From number three in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to number five. Although nine more Tests are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even when facing the strong Australian side. But the failures against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. However, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Now, India seem beatable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. 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 mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is floundering at home because home surfaces have been changed from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to do well abroad.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would present to them earlier.
Although there is some truth in these views, it fails to account for the reason the side's results on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars point to a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted multiple deficiencies following the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the team.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review targeted just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
