India's surprising 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory established in the past six months has all but vanished and the careers of a number of cricketers - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a seamless changeover post the almost concurrent exits of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill got injured very early in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing display in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players were damaged, and several players aspiring to long red-ball careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep at home experienced by India in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa risks harming the team's chances of making the final of this cycle also.
From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have fallen to number five. Though nine more Tests are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - including against the powerful Australians. Yet the failures against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why the team have fared so badly in Tests at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was considered an anomaly.
Today, the team look to be beatable on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they prepared to help their style went wrong completely, as rivals exploited them better, surpassing the home team's players when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing at home because local wickets have been modified from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to do well in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has reduced the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would pose to them earlier.
Even though there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.
Critics and players have pointed to various flaws following the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, overconfidence, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the side.
Players like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The review didn't spare not only the cricketers - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, driven by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
