India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' first series win in India in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory established in the past six months has all but vanished and the prospects of multiple squad members - along with team coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this summer, under a new captain, suggested a seamless changeover after the almost concurrent departures of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the domestic season boosted that belief, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill was injured early on in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. But that fails to account for the team of the well below standard performance in both Tests against the opposition.
Several established players were damaged, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second whitewash on home soil experienced by India in just over a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's chances of making the showpiece of this edition as well.
From number three in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to number five. Even though nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a major plus - including against the mighty Aussies. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil recently is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an exception.
Currently, India appear to be beatable at home.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition exploited them better, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to succeed abroad.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would pose to them in the past.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it fails to account for why India's performances at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not limited to a few causes.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings after the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the squad.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to win matches.
Management Questions
The review didn't spare just the players - selectors and backroom team were also criticized, spurred on by upset followers and vocal past stars. Under focus of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
