India's surprising 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in 25 years and India's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm established in the last several months has all but vanished and the careers of multiple squad members - including head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a new captain, pointed to a seamless changeover after the close together exits of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill got injured early on in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the team of the highly disappointing performance in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and several players eyeing long red-ball careers were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second whitewash on home soil endured by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail the team's prospects of reaching the final of this edition too.
From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have dropped to number five. Though nine additional matches are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a significant benefit - including against the powerful Australians. Yet the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an aberration.
Now, the team seem beatable in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they developed to help their style failed miserably, as opponents exploited them better, outplaying the home team's players when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to perform better overseas.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars participate, has removed the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would pose to them before.
While there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify the reason India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a multi-faceted challenge, not just one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have identified multiple deficiencies after the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the performances of the squad.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - came up short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem targeted the entire setup - selectors and support staff were also criticized, driven by disappointed supporters and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
