India's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory established in the past six months has all but vanished and the careers of multiple squad members - along with head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Disappears
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a smooth transition after the almost concurrent departures of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the home campaign strengthened that view, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill was injured early on in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the highly disappointing display in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and several players hoping for lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second clean sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail the team's chances of reaching the final of this edition too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Although nine additional matches are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - including against the strong Australian side. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, why the team have struggled so much in Tests at home in recent times is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, India were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an exception.
Now, India seem vulnerable in their own backyard.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they developed to favor their game failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to succeed in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the IPL, in which many overseas players play, has taken away the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would pose to them in the past.
While there is some truth in these views, it fails to account for the reason India's performances at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars point to a complicated issue, not limited to one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings following the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, frequent changes of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the side.
Cricketers such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - fell short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis didn't spare just the players - the selection panel and support staff were also under fire, driven by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
