India's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' first series win in India in two and a half decades and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory established in the last several months has almost disappeared and the futures of multiple squad members - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Disappears
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill got injured early on in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. But that fails to account for the squad of the terribly sub-par display in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals hoping for lengthy Test careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep at home experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a place in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage India's prospects of reaching the final of this cycle also.
From number three in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to number five. Though nine further games are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even against the powerful Australians. But the failures against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why India have struggled so much in Test matches at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an exception.
Today, the team appear to be beatable in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to help their style backfired spectacularly, as opponents exploited them better, beating the home team's players when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the IPL, in which many overseas players take part, has taken away the mystery and hardship home wickets would pose to them before.
While there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it fails to account for why the side's results on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars identify a complicated issue, not only one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings following the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the displays of the side.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - came up short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare not only the cricketers - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
