India's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's first series win in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory built over the past six months has all but vanished and the prospects of multiple squad members - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a smooth transition following the close together departures of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home campaign boosted that belief, till the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. However, that fails to account for the squad of the well below standard showing in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and several players hoping for long red-ball careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep at home endured by India in just a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail India's chances of reaching the decider of this season too.
After being third in the WTC table before the series, the side have fallen to number five. Though nine further games are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a major plus - including against the mighty Aussies. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, why the team have struggled so much in Tests on home soil lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an aberration.
Today, India seem beatable on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals used them more effectively, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars play, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would present to them in the past.
Although there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain the reason India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Most former players point to a complicated issue, not limited to a few causes.
Experts and participants have pointed to multiple deficiencies post the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the showings of the team.
Cricketers such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - fell short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare just the players - team selectors and backroom team were also under fire, fuelled by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
