India's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, the visiting team handed India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has all but vanished and the futures of multiple squad members - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this summer, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover post the near-simultaneous exits of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season strengthened that view, before the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill was injured quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the team of the terribly sub-par showing in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing long red-ball careers were shown as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
It was the second clean sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 win which practically cost India a spot in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming the team's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table before the series, India have fallen to the fifth spot. Even though nine further games are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even against the strong Australian side. However the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been clearly revealed. However, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil lately is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, India were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an aberration.
Now, the team look to be beatable on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to help their style backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling at home because home surfaces have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has taken away the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is validity in these views, it fails to account for why India's performances on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players identify a complicated issue, not limited to a few causes.
Experts and participants have highlighted multiple deficiencies following India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the side.
Members such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - fell short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Management Questions
The review targeted not only the cricketers - team selectors and support staff were also questioned, driven by disappointed supporters and critical former players. In the spotlight of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press