India's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory established in the last several months has all but vanished and the careers of multiple squad members - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Disappears
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a seamless changeover following the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the domestic season boosted that belief, before the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and several players hoping for lengthy Test careers were exposed as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This represented the second whitewash in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 win which practically cost India a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming India's chances of qualifying for the final of this edition also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to fifth place. Though nine further games are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. However the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been clearly revealed. However, why the team have struggled so much in Tests on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Now, the team seem beatable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they developed to favor their game went wrong completely, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that India is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to perform better abroad.
A few mention that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with before.
While there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it still does not explain why the side's results at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Most former players identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings after the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the team.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to claim wins.
Management Questions
The review targeted just the players - the selection panel and support staff were also criticized, driven by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
