India's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory gained during the past six months has largely dissipated and the futures of multiple squad members - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Disappears
The emerging side's commendable display in England this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a seamless changeover post the almost concurrent exits of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, until the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing performance in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and a few members hoping for extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second clean sweep at home endured by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming India's hopes of making the decider of this season too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have fallen to fifth place. Though nine more Tests are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a major plus - even when facing the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests at home in recent times is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Currently, the team appear to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they developed to help their style went wrong completely, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to succeed abroad.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players play, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would present to them before.
Even though there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify why the team's showings at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Most former players identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a few causes.
Experts and participants have identified various flaws post the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.
This was clear in the performances of the squad.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.
Management Questions
The post-mortem targeted the entire setup - selectors and support staff were also under fire, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
