India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India a record loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm established in the past six months has all but vanished and the prospects of multiple squad members - along with head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The emerging side's impressive performance in England this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a successful handover following the almost concurrent departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign strengthened that view, till the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
India were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the terribly sub-par performance in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and multiple individuals aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Concerning History
This was the second whitewash on home soil suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail India's prospects of making the decider of this edition as well.
After being third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have fallen to number five. Even though nine further games are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even when facing the mighty Aussies. Yet the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. However, why India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil recently is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an aberration.
Currently, India appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to help their style went wrong completely, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is struggling at home because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to perform better in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has reduced the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would pose to them in the past.
While there is some truth in these views, it fails to account for why the team's showings at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have identified various flaws after the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the side.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Management Questions
The review didn't spare just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
