India's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India a record loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It was the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum gained during the last several months has almost disappeared and the prospects of multiple squad members - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Disappears
The young team's strong showing in England this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous exits of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign strengthened that view, till the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill got injured very early in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the terribly sub-par showing in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and a few members aspiring to lengthy Test careers were exposed as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second whitewash on home soil endured by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a spot in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail the team's hopes of making the final of this cycle too.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Though nine further games are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even against the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why the team have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil recently is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were seen as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that helped spin and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an exception.
Today, the team seem easy pickings in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as rivals exploited them better, outplaying the home team's players when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing at home because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to do well in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has reduced the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would present to them in the past.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it does not clarify why India's performances at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complicated issue, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted various flaws following India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the squad.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - fell short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Management Questions
The review also included the entire setup - the selection panel and support staff were also under fire, spurred on by distraught fans and critical former players. Under focus of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
