India's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum built over the previous half-year has all but vanished and the careers of several players - including head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous exits of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the home campaign boosted that belief, till the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill got injured very early in the initial match and took no further part in the series. But that fails to account for the squad of the terribly sub-par display in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and a few members hoping for extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Concerning History
This represented the second series sweep on home soil endured by India in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 win which essentially denied India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to South Africa risks harming the team's chances of reaching the final of this edition too.
After being third in the WTC table before the series, India have been relegated to number five. Though nine more Tests are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an exception.
Today, India appear to be vulnerable at home.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they developed to help their style failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that India is floundering in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to perform better in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would present to them before.
Although there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain the reason India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only a few causes.
Critics and players have highlighted multiple deficiencies post India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the side.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - came up short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The review didn't spare the entire setup - the selection panel and backroom team were also under fire, driven by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
