India's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team gave India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It was South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has all but vanished and the prospects of a number of cricketers - along with head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The emerging side's impressive performance in England this season, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition after the near-simultaneous exits of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign boosted that belief, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill was injured quickly in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. But that fails to account for the side of the highly disappointing showing in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members hoping for lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Concerning History
This was the second whitewash in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage India's chances of qualifying for the decider of this edition also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to fifth place. Though nine further games are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even when facing the strong Australian side. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's weakness in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil recently is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Currently, India look to be vulnerable at home.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as the opposition exploited them better, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to do well abroad.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars play, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would present to them before.
Although there is validity in both analyses, it still does not explain why the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Most former players point to a complicated issue, not limited to one or two factors.
Experts and participants have highlighted multiple deficiencies after India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the team.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
