India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum built over the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - as well as head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The young team's commendable display in England this season, under a different skipper, indicated a seamless changeover following the close together departures of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home season enhanced that perception, till the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill got injured quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. Yet that fails to account for the squad of the well below standard performance in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and several players aspiring to long red-ball careers were shown as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second series sweep on home soil suffered by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage the team's hopes of reaching the showpiece of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have dropped to number five. Even though nine more Tests are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. Yet the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's weakness in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have fared so badly in Tests at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an aberration.
Currently, the team seem vulnerable on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing at home because home surfaces have been altered from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to do well in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the IPL, in which many overseas players play, has taken away the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would challenge them with before.
Although there is validity in each argument, it fails to account for the reason India's performances at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a few causes.
Critics and players have identified multiple deficiencies after the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the squad.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The review targeted not only the cricketers - team selectors and support staff were also under fire, spurred on by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
