India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm established in the last several months has almost disappeared and the careers of a number of cricketers - as well as team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in England this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a smooth transition post the near-simultaneous departures of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the home season strengthened that view, before the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This was the second whitewash on home soil suffered by India in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa risks harming the team's hopes of making the final of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Although nine further games are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a major plus - including against the strong Australian side. However the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. However, the reason India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Now, India look to be vulnerable on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they developed to favor their game failed miserably, as rivals exploited them better, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the IPL, in which many overseas players participate, has taken away the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would pose to them earlier.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it fails to account for why India's performances on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not only one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have identified various flaws post the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, frequent changes of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the side.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - came up short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Management Questions
The review didn't spare just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also under fire, spurred on by disappointed supporters and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
