India's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum built over the last several months has largely dissipated and the careers of a number of cricketers - along with head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a successful handover post the near-simultaneous departures of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill was injured early on in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and several players aspiring to long red-ball careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second whitewash in home conditions endured by India in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage India's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this season also.
After being third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to number five. Though nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even when facing the strong Australian side. But the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why India have performed so poorly in Test matches at home in recent times is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Today, India look to be vulnerable on home turf.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they curated to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as the opposition used them more effectively, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering at home because local wickets have been altered from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with in the past.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it fails to account for why the side's results at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players diagnose a complicated issue, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to various flaws after the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the team.
Cricketers such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - fell short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to claim wins.
Management Questions
The post-mortem also included just the players - team selectors and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by upset followers and vocal past stars. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
