India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has all but vanished and the prospects of multiple squad members - along with head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a successful handover post the almost concurrent exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the home season strengthened that view, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill got injured quickly in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. However, that fails to account for the squad of the well below standard display in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and several players aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This was the second clean sweep on home soil experienced by India in just a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa risks harming the team's prospects of qualifying for the decider of this cycle as well.
After being third in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have fallen to number five. Even though nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - including against the strong Australian side. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, why the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as impregnable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Now, India look to be beatable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they developed to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents exploited them better, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that India is failing at home because local wickets have been altered from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to do well overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them in the past.
Although there is validity in each argument, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings after India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, regular alterations of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the squad.
Players such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - came up short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis targeted not only the cricketers - the selection panel and support staff were also under fire, driven by upset followers and vocal past stars. At the centre of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
