India's shocking 0-2 defeat 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 defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's first series win 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 winning rhythm established in the last several months has almost disappeared and the prospects of multiple squad members - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a smooth transition post the almost concurrent exits of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill was injured quickly in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. However, that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par display in the two games against the opposition.
Several established players took a hit, and several players aspiring to long red-ball careers were shown as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second whitewash at home endured by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa risks harming the team's chances of making the final of this season too.
After being third in the Test championship standings before the series, India have been relegated to fifth place. Although nine further games are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a huge advantage - including against the mighty Aussies. Yet the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in Test cricket has been badly exposed. However, why India have fared so badly in Tests at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that helped spin and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an anomaly.
Today, the team look to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they curated to favor their game failed miserably, as rivals exploited them better, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to perform better overseas.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players play, has removed the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would pose to them in the past.
Even though there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain the reason the side's results at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players point to a complicated issue, not limited to one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to various flaws post the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the squad.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - were found wanting in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included not only the cricketers - selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, driven by upset followers and vocal past stars. Under focus of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
