India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory gained during the past six months has all but vanished and the futures of a number of cricketers - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a successful handover post the near-simultaneous departures of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the home season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill was injured early on in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the terribly sub-par performance in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and multiple individuals aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were shown as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second clean sweep on home soil experienced by India in just a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming India's chances of reaching the decider 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 more Tests are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even when facing the mighty Aussies. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests at home lately is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Today, the team seem beatable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to perform better overseas.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which several international stars participate, has removed the mystery and hardship home wickets would pose to them earlier.
While there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have highlighted several failings after India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the squad.
Players like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also criticized, driven by disappointed supporters and critical former players. Under focus of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
