India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team gave India a record Test defeat by runs, against all odds. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory established in the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the prospects of a number of cricketers - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition after the near-simultaneous exits of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season boosted that belief, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. But that fails to account for the squad of the well below standard showing in each match against South Africa.
Several established players were damaged, and a few members hoping for extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
This represented the second whitewash on home soil endured by India in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail India's prospects of making the showpiece of this edition also.
From number three in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even against the powerful Australians. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. However, why India have fared so badly in Test matches at home recently is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Today, India seem vulnerable in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they developed to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents exploited them better, beating the home team's players when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to perform better in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.
Even though there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify why the side's results at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complicated issue, not limited to a few causes.
Experts and participants have highlighted multiple deficiencies after India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the side.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - came up short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Management Questions
The review didn't spare not only the cricketers - the selection panel and support staff were also criticized, driven by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
