India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum built over the last several months has almost disappeared and the futures of several players - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover after the close together departures of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season strengthened that view, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill was injured very early in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the team of the highly disappointing display in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Concerning History
This represented the second series sweep on home soil experienced by India in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage the team's prospects of reaching the final of this cycle too.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even against the mighty Aussies. However the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's weakness in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Currently, the team appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Against New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to perform better overseas.
A few mention that the IPL, in which several international stars participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would pose to them before.
While there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it still does not explain why India's performances on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.
Experts and participants have pointed to several failings after India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over the longer format.
This was clear in the displays of the side.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - came up short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to win matches.
Management Questions
The post-mortem targeted the entire setup - selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, spurred on by distraught fans and vocal past stars. At the centre of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
