India's surprising 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum built over the previous half-year has all but vanished and the careers of several players - including team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The young team's strong showing in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a smooth transition following the close together exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the home season enhanced that perception, before the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill got injured early on in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the well below standard showing in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage the team's hopes of reaching the showpiece of this edition also.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - including against the powerful Australians. However the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been badly exposed. That said, the reason India have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an exception.
Today, India appear to be vulnerable at home.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they developed to help their style went wrong completely, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to do well abroad.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players play, has removed the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them earlier.
Although there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify the reason India's performances on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have identified several failings after India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the side.
Players such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem also included the entire setup - selectors and support staff were also under fire, driven by distraught fans and vocal past stars. Under focus of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
