India's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum established in the last several months has all but vanished and the prospects of several players - including head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The young team's commendable display in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a seamless changeover following the close together retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the home season enhanced that perception, before the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill got injured early on in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the terribly sub-par performance in the two games against the opposition.
Several established players were damaged, and several players hoping for long red-ball careers were shown as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Concerning History
This represented the second clean sweep at home experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage India's chances of making the final of this season too.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have been relegated to number five. Although nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - including against the strong Australian side. However the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an aberration.
Now, the team appear to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they curated to help their style failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling at home because home surfaces have been modified from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to succeed in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players play, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would pose to them in the past.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not just one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to various flaws post India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the squad.
Players such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem didn't spare just the players - the selection panel and support staff were also questioned, spurred on by upset followers and vocal past stars. Under focus of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
