India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in India in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory established in the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of a number of cricketers - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The emerging side's impressive performance in England this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a smooth transition post the almost concurrent retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign boosted that belief, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Concerning History
This represented the second series sweep at home experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage India's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle too.
After being third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Even though nine additional matches are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a major plus - including against the strong Australian side. But the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that helped spin and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an aberration.
Currently, India seem vulnerable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to perform better overseas.
A few mention that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has removed the mystery and hardship home wickets would pose to them in the past.
While there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason the side's results at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players point to a multi-faceted challenge, not just one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have identified various flaws following India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the side.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - fell short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but inadequately to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem targeted not only the cricketers - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, fuelled by distraught fans and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
