India's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the prospects of several players - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The young team's commendable display in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a successful handover after the close together exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the home season boosted that belief, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill was injured early on in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the side of the terribly sub-par performance in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second clean sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 victory which practically cost India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail India's prospects of reaching the showpiece of this edition also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings before the series, India have fallen to number five. Although nine more Tests are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even against the powerful Australians. But the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why the team have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an aberration.
Today, the team look to be vulnerable on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering at home because home surfaces have been modified from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to do well abroad.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has reduced the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would pose to them earlier.
Even though there is validity in each argument, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to one or two factors.
Critics and players have identified multiple deficiencies post the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the side.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - came up short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review also included just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also criticized, fuelled by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
