India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm established in the past six months has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a successful handover after the almost concurrent retirements of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home season boosted that belief, until the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill was injured early on in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the well below standard showing in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and several players aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were shown as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This was the second clean sweep in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming the team's chances of qualifying for the decider of this cycle too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Though nine more Tests are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - including against the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, why India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil recently is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an aberration.
Currently, the team seem vulnerable at home.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they curated to help their style failed miserably, as rivals exploited them better, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that India is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to succeed overseas.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has taken away the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would pose to them before.
Although there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain why the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complicated issue, not only one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings after the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.
This was evident in the showings of the side.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - fell short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Management Questions
The review targeted not only the cricketers - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
