India's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' first series win in India in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm built over the past six months has almost disappeared and the futures of several players - as well as head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this summer, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover following the near-simultaneous exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the first Test and took no further part in the series. However, that fails to account for the team of the well below standard showing in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing long red-ball careers were shown as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second series sweep at home suffered by India in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail the team's chances of making the decider of this cycle too.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Though nine further games are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even against the powerful Australians. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, why the team have fared so badly in Tests at home recently is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. 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 2012-13 against England, was considered an anomaly.
Today, the team seem beatable in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they curated to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would pose to them before.
Even though there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify the reason the side's results at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars point to a complicated issue, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have highlighted various flaws post the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, frequent changes of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the showings of the squad.
Players such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review also included the entire setup - selectors and support staff were also questioned, driven by upset followers and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
