India's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India a record Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of a number of cricketers - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Disappears
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this season, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover following the near-simultaneous exits of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, before the South Africans turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
India were a bit unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. However, that fails to account for the squad of the well below standard display in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and several players aspiring to lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second whitewash in home conditions endured by India in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage the team's chances of reaching the showpiece of this edition too.
From number three in the Test championship standings before the series, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Though nine further games are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even when facing the powerful Australians. But the failures against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason India have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil lately is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were seen as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that helped spin and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an exception.
Today, India look to be beatable in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to do well overseas.
A few mention that the IPL, in which several international stars participate, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would challenge them with earlier.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it fails to account for why India's performances on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have highlighted multiple deficiencies after India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over the longer format.
This was evident in the performances of the side.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but inadequately to secure victories.
Management Questions
The review targeted not only the cricketers - the selection panel and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. Under focus of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
