India's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum built over the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the futures of multiple squad members - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this season, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition post the near-simultaneous retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill got injured early on in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard display in each match against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and a few members hoping for extended tenures in Tests were shown as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This represented the second whitewash in home conditions suffered by India in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail the team's prospects of qualifying for the decider of this season also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have been relegated to fifth place. Even though nine additional matches are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the mighty Aussies. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Now, India look to be beatable in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they developed to favor their game failed miserably, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to perform better overseas.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would pose to them earlier.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it does not clarify the reason India's performances at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to one or two factors.
Critics and players have pointed to multiple deficiencies post the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the team.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - team selectors and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
