India's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph 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 previous half-year has almost disappeared and the futures of several players - including team coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The young team's strong showing in England this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a smooth transition after the close together departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
India were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. But that fails to account for the side of the well below standard performance in both Tests against the opposition.
Several established players were damaged, and several players eyeing long red-ball careers were shown as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second whitewash on home soil suffered by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail the team's hopes of qualifying for the final of this season as well.
After being third in the WTC rankings before the series, India have fallen to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even against the mighty Aussies. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in Test cricket has been badly exposed. However, why the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, India were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an exception.
Currently, the team appear to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Against 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 failed miserably, as opponents exploited them better, beating the home team's players when it counted the most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to perform better abroad.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars participate, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would pose to them in the past.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason the side's results on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted multiple deficiencies after the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the team.
Players like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.
Management Questions
The post-mortem didn't spare the entire setup - team selectors and support staff were also criticized, spurred on by upset followers and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
