India's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa handed India a record loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum established in the last several months has almost disappeared and the prospects of multiple squad members - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The young team's strong showing in England this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a seamless changeover following the near-simultaneous retirements of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the domestic season boosted that belief, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were a bit unlucky that captain Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard performance in each match against the opposition.
Several established players took a hit, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were shown as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This represented the second whitewash in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's prospects of making the showpiece of this season also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings before the series, India have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even against the powerful Australians. But the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, why the team have struggled so much in Tests at home lately is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Currently, India look to be beatable on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they developed to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as rivals used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to perform better overseas.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players take part, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them earlier.
Although there is some truth in each argument, it fails to account for why the team's showings at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars point to a multi-faceted challenge, not just a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have pointed to several failings post the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.
This was evident in the showings of the squad.
Players such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - fell short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem didn't spare just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also criticized, spurred on by distraught fans and critical former players. Under focus of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
