India's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum established in the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the prospects of a number of cricketers - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The emerging side's strong showing in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a successful handover following the near-simultaneous departures of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign strengthened that view, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the team of the highly disappointing performance in each match against the opposition.
Several established players were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash on home soil endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a spot in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail the team's hopes of making the final of this cycle also.
After being third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have dropped to fifth place. Although nine further games are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a major plus - including against the strong Australian side. But the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why the team have performed so poorly in Tests at home recently is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an anomaly.
Today, the team look to be easy pickings on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to do well abroad.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which several international stars participate, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would present to them earlier.
Although there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain why the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to one or two factors.
Critics and players have identified several failings following India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the squad.
Players like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The review targeted not only the cricketers - the selection panel and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. At the centre of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
