India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the careers of several players - as well as head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a smooth transition after the almost concurrent exits of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the domestic season strengthened that view, till the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill was injured very early in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing showing in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and multiple individuals aspiring to long red-ball careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second series sweep at home endured by India in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail India's hopes of making the final of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have fallen to number five. Although nine further games are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - including against the powerful Australians. However the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's frailty in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an anomaly.
Today, India appear to be beatable in their own backyard.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they developed to favor their game went wrong completely, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to fast tracks to train the squad to perform better abroad.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has removed the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would challenge them with in the past.
Even though there is validity in each argument, it fails to account for the reason the side's results at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Most former players identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not only one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted various flaws post the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the squad.
Members such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Management Questions
The analysis also included not only the cricketers - selectors and support staff were also under fire, spurred on by disappointed supporters and critical former players. At the centre of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press