India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the futures of multiple squad members - as well as head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The emerging side's strong showing in England this season, under a different skipper, suggested a successful handover after the near-simultaneous retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign boosted that belief, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill got injured very early in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. But that fails to account for the team of the terribly sub-par display in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and a few members aspiring to long red-ball careers were shown as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep in home conditions suffered by India in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming the team's hopes of making the showpiece of this season too.
From number three in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to number five. Though nine additional matches are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even against the powerful Australians. However the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why India have struggled so much in Tests at home recently is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an exception.
Now, the team look to be beatable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they developed to favor their game went wrong completely, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to do well in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players take part, has taken away the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them before.
Even though there is validity in these views, it still does not explain the reason India's performances on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not just a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have highlighted various flaws post the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the team.
Cricketers like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem targeted not only the cricketers - the selection panel and coaching staff were also under fire, driven by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
