India's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. This represented South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm built over the past six months has all but vanished and the futures of a number of cricketers - including team coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a smooth transition post the almost concurrent departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the home season enhanced that perception, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the highly disappointing display in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This represented the second whitewash in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a spot in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa risks harming the team's hopes of making the final of this edition too.
After being third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have fallen to number five. Although nine additional matches are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a major plus - even when facing the mighty Aussies. However the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, why India have fared so badly in Tests at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was considered an anomaly.
Today, the team look to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they prepared to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to do well abroad.
Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars play, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is some truth in both analyses, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not only one or two factors.
Critics and players have identified multiple deficiencies after the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the side.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review also included just the players - team selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, driven by upset followers and vocal past stars. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
