India's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa gave India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm established in the last several months has all but vanished and the careers of several players - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Disappears
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this summer, under a new captain, suggested a successful handover post the near-simultaneous retirements of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill was injured early on in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the squad of the well below standard display in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and a few members hoping for long red-ball careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This was the second series sweep on home soil endured by India in just a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a place in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming India's chances of qualifying for the decider of this edition as well.
After being third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Though nine additional matches are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the powerful Australians. However the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. However, why India have performed so poorly in Test matches at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that helped spin and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Now, India appear to be vulnerable at home.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they curated to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to do well overseas.
A few mention that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has removed the surprise and difficulty home wickets would challenge them with in the past.
Even though there is validity in each argument, it fails to account for why India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to multiple deficiencies after the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, poor choices, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.
This was clear in the performances of the squad.
Cricketers such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - fell short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
