India's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa gave India a record loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory built over the last several months has largely dissipated and the futures of multiple squad members - including team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a successful handover following the close together exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign strengthened that view, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill got injured early on in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par performance in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were shown as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Concerning History
This represented the second series sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage the team's chances of reaching the decider of this season as well.
After being third in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Even though nine more Tests are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a major plus - even when facing the strong Australian side. Yet the failures against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why India have struggled so much in Tests at home in recent times is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an exception.
Currently, India appear to be beatable at home.
Against the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, beating the home team's players when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is floundering at home because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to do well in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars participate, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would present to them before.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason the side's results at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complicated issue, not only one or two factors.
Experts and participants have pointed to various flaws post the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the squad.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to claim wins.
Management Questions
The post-mortem also included the entire setup - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by upset followers and vocal past stars. Under focus of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
