India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of multiple squad members - as well as team coach the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Disappears
The emerging side's commendable display in England this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a smooth transition post the close together departures of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home season boosted that belief, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill got injured very early in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the highly disappointing performance in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep on home soil experienced by India in just a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail India's hopes of reaching the showpiece of this edition as well.
After being third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Though nine additional matches are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the mighty Aussies. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an aberration.
Now, the team seem vulnerable on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they developed to favor their game went wrong completely, as the opposition exploited them better, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has taken away the mystery and hardship home wickets would pose to them earlier.
Even though there is some truth in each argument, it fails to account for why India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not only one or two factors.
Experts and participants have pointed to multiple deficiencies following India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the squad.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review targeted the entire setup - the selection panel and coaching staff were also under fire, driven by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
