The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the prospects of multiple squad members - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The young team's strong showing in England this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a seamless changeover following the close together departures of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the domestic season boosted that belief, till the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. However, that fails to account for the squad of the well below standard showing in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage the team's prospects of reaching the final of this cycle also.
From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have dropped to fifth place. Although nine further games are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even when facing the powerful Australians. But the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home recently is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an exception.
Currently, the team appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to help their style backfired spectacularly, as the opposition used them more effectively, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to do well in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would pose to them earlier.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it does not clarify the reason the side's results at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Experts and participants have identified several failings after the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the side.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - came up short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The review targeted the entire setup - the selection panel and coaching staff were also criticized, fuelled by disappointed supporters and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
