India's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm built over the last several months has largely dissipated and the futures of several players - as well as head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a seamless changeover post the close together retirements of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the home season boosted that belief, until the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill suffered an injury very early in the first Test and took no further part in the series. However, that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par showing in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and several players hoping for long red-ball careers were shown as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second whitewash at home endured by India in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a spot in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage India's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to number five. Even though nine additional matches are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even against the powerful Australians. However the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been badly exposed. That said, the reason India have performed so poorly in Test matches at home recently is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an anomaly.
Today, India look to be vulnerable on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they developed to help their style went wrong completely, as rivals used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling at home because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to succeed in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has removed the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would present to them before.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason the side's results at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings after the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was obvious in the displays of the squad.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - were found wanting in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review targeted just the players - the selection panel and support staff were also criticized, driven by distraught fans and vocal past stars. At the centre of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
