India's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in India in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of a number of cricketers - including head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The young team's impressive performance in England this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a seamless changeover following the close together exits of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the side of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against the opposition.
Several established players took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Concerning History
This represented the second whitewash in home conditions suffered by India in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming India's prospects of reaching the decider of this edition as well.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Though nine additional matches are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. However the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's weakness in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason the team have fared so badly in Tests at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against England, was considered an anomaly.
Today, the team look to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to help their style backfired spectacularly, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is floundering at home because local wickets have been changed from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to do well abroad.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars play, has taken away the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.
Although there is validity in these views, it still does not explain why the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complicated issue, not just a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have identified multiple deficiencies post India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over the longer format.
This was clear in the performances of the team.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - came up short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem also included the entire setup - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
