India's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' first series win in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum built over the past six months has all but vanished and the careers of a number of cricketers - along with head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The young team's commendable display in the UK this season, under a new captain, pointed to a smooth transition following the almost concurrent retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season strengthened that view, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard performance in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and several players eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep at home suffered by India in just a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a place in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail India's hopes of reaching the final of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine further games are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - including against the mighty Aussies. However the failures against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. However, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were considered unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Today, the team look to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they curated to help their style failed miserably, as rivals exploited them better, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to do well abroad.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players take part, has taken away the surprise and difficulty home wickets would present to them before.
Although there is some truth in both analyses, it fails to account for why the side's results at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Most former players point to a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings following the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the squad.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - were found wanting in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare just the players - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the criticism was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
