India's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory established in the last several months has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover following the near-simultaneous exits of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season strengthened that view, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were a bit unlucky that captain Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. However, that fails to account for the team of the well below standard performance in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals aspiring to long red-ball careers were revealed to be still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This was the second clean sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail the team's prospects of qualifying for the final of this cycle as well.
After being third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to fifth place. Although nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a major plus - including against the powerful Australians. But the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's weakness in the longer format has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that helped spin and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Currently, India look to be beatable at home.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they developed to favor their game went wrong completely, as the opposition exploited them better, outplaying the home team's players when it mattered most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering at home because local wickets have been modified from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed overseas.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would present to them earlier.
While there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason India's performances at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a multi-faceted challenge, not only a few causes.
Experts and participants have pointed to several failings after the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the side.
Cricketers such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, fuelled by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
