India's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory built over the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of a number of cricketers - as well as head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Disappears
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a smooth transition following the almost concurrent exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home season boosted that belief, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the side of the highly disappointing performance in the two games 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 - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This was the second whitewash in home conditions experienced by India in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming India's prospects of making the final of this cycle also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have fallen to fifth place. Although nine further games are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even when facing the powerful Australians. But the failures against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were seen as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Today, India look to be vulnerable at home.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents exploited them better, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason the side's results on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars point to a multi-faceted challenge, not only a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings following India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the side.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The review also included not only the cricketers - selectors and backroom team were also under fire, driven by upset followers and vocal past stars. At the centre of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
