India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's another home failure in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory built over the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the futures of a number of cricketers - as well as head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a smooth transition following the close together exits of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the home season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill was injured early on in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par display in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This was the second series sweep at home suffered by India in just over a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 win which effectively cost India a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's chances of making the decider of this edition as well.
From number three in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Even though nine additional matches are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even against the powerful Australians. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, why the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an exception.
Currently, India seem easy pickings in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they developed to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing at home because home surfaces have been modified from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to perform better overseas.
A few mention that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has taken away the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would challenge them with before.
Even though there is validity in these views, it still does not explain why the team's showings at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players identify a complicated issue, not just a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have pointed to several failings following the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the showings of the side.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review targeted the entire setup - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
