India's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' first series win in India in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm established in the last several months has all but vanished and the careers of multiple squad members - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The young team's commendable display in England this season, under a new captain, pointed to a seamless changeover after the close together retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill suffered an injury early on in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. Yet that fails to account for the side of the well below standard performance in both Tests against the opposition.
Several established players were damaged, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second clean sweep at home endured by India in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage India's chances of making the final of this edition too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have fallen to number five. Even though nine additional matches are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even when facing the mighty Aussies. However the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, why the team have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an aberration.
Now, India appear to be beatable on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has taken away the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them before.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars point to a complicated issue, not just a few causes.
Experts and participants have identified multiple deficiencies following the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.
This was evident in the displays of the team.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - came up short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.
Management Questions
The analysis targeted the entire setup - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
