India's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of a number of cricketers - along with head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The young team's strong showing in the UK this season, under a different skipper, suggested a smooth transition after the near-simultaneous retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the home season enhanced that perception, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the squad of the well below standard display in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This was the second clean sweep in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage the team's prospects of reaching the final of this season also.
After being third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Even though nine more Tests are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. Yet the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an anomaly.
Now, India seem easy pickings in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as opponents exploited them better, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that India is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed abroad.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has taken away the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them earlier.
Even though there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not just one or two factors.
Experts and participants have highlighted several failings following India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the team.
Members like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - came up short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare the entire setup - the selection panel and coaching staff were also under fire, driven by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. Under focus of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
