India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent 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. This represented the Proteas' first series win in India in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum established in the past six months has largely dissipated and the futures of a number of cricketers - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a seamless changeover post the near-simultaneous departures of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season strengthened that view, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing showing in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and a few members aspiring to lengthy Test careers were exposed as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This represented the second series sweep in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail the team's hopes of reaching the final of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Though nine additional matches are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even against the mighty Aussies. However the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, India were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that helped spin and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was considered an anomaly.
Currently, the team look to be easy pickings at home.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they curated to help their style backfired spectacularly, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with before.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it does not clarify why the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.
Critics and players have identified multiple deficiencies following the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the squad.
Players such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - were found wanting in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem also included not only the cricketers - selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
