India's surprising 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, South Africa handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in India in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm built over the last several months has all but vanished and the prospects of a number of cricketers - along with head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The young team's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a successful handover following the close together exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
India were a bit unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the side of the highly disappointing display in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This was the second whitewash on home soil suffered by India in just over a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 win which effectively cost India a place in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage India's prospects of qualifying for the decider of this edition too.
From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have dropped to fifth place. Although nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a major plus - including against the strong Australian side. But the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. That said, the reason India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an exception.
Now, the team appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they prepared to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition exploited them better, surpassing the home team's players when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better overseas.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with earlier.
While there is validity in these views, it still does not explain why the side's results at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings after the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the side.
Cricketers such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - came up short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The review targeted not only the cricketers - selectors and support staff were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the criticism was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
