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 handed India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and India's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the futures of multiple squad members - as well as team coach the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this season, under a different skipper, suggested a seamless changeover post the almost concurrent departures of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign boosted that belief, till the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill was injured quickly in the initial match and took no further part in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the team of the well below standard showing in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and a few members aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were shown as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second series sweep on home soil experienced by India in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's prospects of making the showpiece of this season too.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to number five. Though nine further games are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even against the powerful Australians. However the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been badly exposed. However, why the team have struggled so much in Tests at home lately is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an exception.
Now, India look to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they curated to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals exploited them better, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to do well in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has taken away the surprise and difficulty home wickets would pose to them before.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it still does not explain why India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not just one or two factors.
Critics and players have identified various flaws following India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the squad.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem didn't spare not only the cricketers - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
