India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team gave India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum gained during the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the futures of several players - along with head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The young team's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a smooth transition following the almost concurrent departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the home season boosted that belief, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill was injured very early in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the squad of the well below standard showing in each match against South Africa.
Several established players were damaged, and a few members aspiring to lengthy Test careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This represented the second whitewash in home conditions experienced by India in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 victory which practically cost India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's hopes of making the decider of this cycle as well.
After being third in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have been relegated to number five. Though nine further games are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even against the strong Australian side. But the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, why the team have struggled so much in Test matches at home lately is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Now, India appear to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they curated to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is validity in both analyses, it fails to account for why India's performances at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only a few causes.
Critics and players have pointed to various flaws post India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.
This was evident in the showings of the team.
Players like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review also included the entire setup - team selectors and support staff were also criticized, fuelled by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
