India's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory built over the last several months has almost disappeared and the futures of a number of cricketers - as well as head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a different skipper, suggested a smooth transition after the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. But that fails to account for the team of the highly disappointing performance in each match against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and several players hoping for extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail India's prospects of qualifying for the decider of this cycle also.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Although nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. However the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why the team have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, India were considered impregnable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an exception.
Today, India seem vulnerable at home.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they curated to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as rivals exploited them better, beating the home team's players when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to do well abroad.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players participate, has taken away the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with earlier.
While there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it still does not explain why the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars point to a complicated issue, not limited to a few causes.
Critics and players have highlighted various flaws following the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the team.
Cricketers like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - came up short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem targeted just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by disappointed supporters and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
