India's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's 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 invincible streak.
The momentum built over the past six months has largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this season, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the home campaign boosted that belief, until the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill got injured early on in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard display in each match against the opposition.
Several established players were damaged, and several players aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This represented the second whitewash at home endured by India in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a berth in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail the team's chances of reaching the decider of this season also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table before the series, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Even though nine more Tests are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even against the mighty Aussies. However the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why the team have fared so badly in Tests at home recently is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an exception.
Now, the team look to be beatable in their own backyard.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they developed to help their style failed miserably, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering at home because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to succeed abroad.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which many overseas players take part, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.
Although there is some truth in each argument, it fails to account for why the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Experts and participants have highlighted various flaws following the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the performances of the squad.
Players like 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 - came up short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not well enough to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The review didn't spare just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also criticized, spurred on by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
