India's shocking 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and India's another home failure in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has all but vanished and the futures of multiple squad members - as well as head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The emerging side's commendable display in England this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a smooth transition following the close together retirements of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the home campaign strengthened that view, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill got injured very early in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. However, that fails to account for the team of the well below standard showing in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second whitewash in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have fallen to number five. Even though nine additional matches are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even when facing the strong Australian side. However the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an aberration.
Today, India look to be beatable on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they curated to favor their game went wrong completely, as rivals used them more effectively, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is floundering at home because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players participate, has removed the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would pose to them in the past.
While there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify why India's performances at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players identify a complicated issue, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted various flaws post India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over the longer format.
This was obvious in the displays of the side.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis also included the entire setup - the selection panel and support staff were also questioned, spurred on by upset followers and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
