India's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' first series win in India in two and a half decades and India's another home failure in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum built over the past six months has all but vanished and the careers of several players - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The young team's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition following the almost concurrent departures of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the domestic season strengthened that view, before the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill got injured very early in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard performance in each match against South Africa.
Several established players were damaged, and several players hoping for long red-ball careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep at home experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail India's hopes of reaching the decider of this season as well.
After being third in the WTC table before the series, India have fallen to the fifth spot. Even though nine more Tests are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even when facing the strong Australian side. But the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home recently is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Today, India look to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to succeed overseas.
Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars participate, has removed the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would challenge them with earlier.
Although there is validity in these views, it still does not explain why the side's results on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have identified multiple deficiencies following the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the squad.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review also included not only the cricketers - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by distraught fans and vocal past stars. At the centre of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
