India's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the careers of a number of cricketers - as well as head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The young team's impressive performance in England this summer, under a new captain, suggested a seamless changeover after the almost concurrent retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season strengthened that view, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
India were a bit unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill got injured early on in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This represented the second clean sweep on home soil experienced by India in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 victory which practically cost India a spot in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming India's chances of reaching the showpiece of this cycle as well.
From number three in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to fifth place. Although nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. However the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. That said, why the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, India were considered invincible in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Today, India appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they curated to suit their strengths failed miserably, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that India is failing at home because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to do well overseas.
Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would pose to them before.
Even though there is some truth in both analyses, it fails to account for why the side's results at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have pointed to various flaws post India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the squad.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - came up short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis also included not only the cricketers - the selection panel and support staff were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
