India's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory gained during the last several months has largely dissipated and the prospects of several players - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a successful handover post the near-simultaneous retirements of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Gill was injured quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard showing in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second clean sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail India's hopes of qualifying for the final of this season also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to number five. Though nine further games are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even against the powerful Australians. However the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. However, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an exception.
Today, India appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they developed to help their style backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, beating the home team's players when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that India is failing at home because home surfaces have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to perform better abroad.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has taken away the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would present to them before.
While there is validity in these views, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted multiple deficiencies following the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the side.
Members like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not well enough to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The review didn't spare not only the cricketers - team selectors and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by distraught fans and critical former players. Under focus of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
