India's surprising 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team gave India a record Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the futures of multiple squad members - including head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Disappears
The emerging side's strong showing in England this season, under a different skipper, indicated a seamless changeover after the close together exits of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign boosted that belief, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the first Test and took no further part in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second whitewash at home suffered by India in just a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage the team's hopes of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition also.
From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have been relegated to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even against the powerful Australians. However the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been badly exposed. However, why India have struggled so much in Test matches at home recently is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an exception.
Currently, India appear to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they prepared to favor their game went wrong completely, as opponents exploited them better, outplaying the home team's players when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to succeed abroad.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has removed the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would pose to them before.
While there is validity in both analyses, it still does not explain why the team's showings on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not just one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings after the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, poor choices, arrogance, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the team.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The review targeted the entire setup - team selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, driven by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. At the centre of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
