India's surprising 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory gained during the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the futures of multiple squad members - along with head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a successful handover following the near-simultaneous retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill got injured very early in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard display in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second whitewash at home endured by India in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a place in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming India's hopes of qualifying for the showpiece of this season too.
From number three in the WTC rankings before the series, India have fallen to number five. Although nine further games are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. Yet the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil lately is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Currently, India seem vulnerable on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they curated to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the home team's players when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to do well overseas.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would present to them in the past.
While there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain why India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players point to a multi-faceted challenge, not just one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted multiple deficiencies following the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the squad.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - fell short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare not only the cricketers - the selection panel and coaching staff were also criticized, spurred on by upset followers and critical former players. At the centre of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
