India's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory established in the last several months has all but vanished and the futures of multiple squad members - along with head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Disappears
The young team's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a seamless changeover after the almost concurrent departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the home campaign strengthened that view, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill got injured early on in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. However, that fails to account for the squad of the highly disappointing performance in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and several players aspiring to long red-ball careers were exposed as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which essentially denied India a place in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage the team's prospects of making the final of this cycle as well.
From number three in the WTC table before the series, the side have dropped to fifth place. Though nine further games are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a major plus - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why the team have performed so poorly in Tests at home lately is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an aberration.
Now, the team appear to be easy pickings at home.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering at home because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to perform better in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars take part, has removed the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would challenge them with in the past.
Even though there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain why the side's results at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just one or two factors.
Critics and players have identified several failings following the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the side.
Cricketers such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - came up short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included just the players - the selection panel and support staff were also criticized, spurred on by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
