India's shocking 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 handed India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the careers of multiple squad members - as well as head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this season, under a different skipper, suggested a seamless changeover after the almost concurrent exits of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the domestic season boosted that belief, till the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill got injured early on in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard performance in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and a few members hoping for extended tenures in Tests were shown as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep at home experienced by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which essentially denied India a spot in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage India's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this season also.
From number three in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, India have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine more Tests are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's weakness in the longer format has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an exception.
Today, the team seem vulnerable at home.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they prepared to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars take part, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would present to them in the past.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it still does not explain the reason the side's results at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars point to a complicated issue, not just one or two factors.
Experts and participants have identified multiple deficiencies post India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the squad.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - were found wanting in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The review targeted just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by distraught fans and critical former players. Under focus of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
