India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in India in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory established in the past six months has largely dissipated and the prospects of multiple squad members - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill was injured quickly in the initial match and took no further part in the series. Yet that fails to account for the team of the highly disappointing showing in each match against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and a few members aspiring to lengthy Test careers were exposed as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash in home conditions suffered by India in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage the team's hopes of qualifying for the final of this edition also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Although nine more Tests are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even when facing the powerful Australians. But the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, why the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an aberration.
Today, the team look to be beatable on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to favor their game went wrong completely, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering at home because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to succeed in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has removed the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would present to them before.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it does not clarify why India's performances at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have identified various flaws after India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was obvious in the displays of the side.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - came up short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Management Questions
The review targeted just the players - the selection panel and support staff were also criticized, driven by upset followers and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
