India's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team gave India a record loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in India in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum established in the previous half-year has all but vanished and the prospects of multiple squad members - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Disappears
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover following the close together retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill got injured very early in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the terribly sub-par display in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and several players eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second series sweep at home suffered by India in just a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a spot 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 edition too.
After being third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to number five. Although nine additional matches are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even when facing the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, why India have performed so poorly in Tests at home lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were seen as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Today, India appear to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition exploited them better, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that India is floundering at home because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to do well in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.
While there is some truth in both analyses, it fails to account for why the side's results on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Most former players identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not just one or two factors.
Critics and players have identified multiple deficiencies after the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the side.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - came up short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not well enough to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem didn't spare just the players - team selectors and backroom team were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and vocal past stars. At the centre of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
