India's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It was South Africa's initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory established in the past six months has all but vanished and the futures of multiple squad members - including team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The young team's impressive performance in England this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition post the almost concurrent retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par performance in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This was the second clean sweep at home endured by India in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 win which essentially denied India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage the team's prospects of reaching the final of this season too.
From number three in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Although nine additional matches are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even against the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil lately is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an anomaly.
Currently, the team appear to be beatable at home.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they curated to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as opponents exploited them better, beating the home team's players when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering at home because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to succeed in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them in the past.
Although there is some truth in each argument, it fails to account for why India's performances at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Most former players identify a complicated issue, not only a few causes.
Critics and players have highlighted various flaws post the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the team.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - the selection panel and support staff were also criticized, fuelled by upset followers and vocal past stars. At the centre of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
