India's shocking 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory established in the past six months has all but vanished and the careers of a number of cricketers - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The emerging side's impressive performance in England this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill was injured quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard display in each match against the opposition.
Several established players suffered, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second clean sweep at home experienced by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage the team's chances of making the showpiece of this edition as well.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to fifth place. Though nine more Tests are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a major plus - including against the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. However, why the team have struggled so much in Tests on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, India were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an anomaly.
Today, India appear to be vulnerable at home.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition exploited them better, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to do well in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would challenge them with in the past.
While there is some truth in these views, it fails to account for the reason India's performances on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to one or two factors.
Critics and players have pointed to multiple deficiencies after India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, poor choices, overconfidence, frequent changes of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the team.
Members like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
