India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory established in the last several months has largely dissipated and the careers of several players - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this season, under a different skipper, suggested a successful handover following the close together exits of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill got injured very early in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing showing in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and several players aspiring to lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
It was the second whitewash at home endured by India in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail India's hopes of reaching the showpiece of this cycle also.
After being third in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to number five. Even though nine further games are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a major plus - including against the strong Australian side. However the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's frailty in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an anomaly.
Today, the team seem easy pickings in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they developed to help their style went wrong completely, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that India is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better overseas.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would present to them in the past.
While there is some truth in both analyses, it fails to account for the reason the side's results at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Most former players diagnose a complicated issue, not limited to one or two factors.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings post India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the team.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - came up short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem targeted not only the cricketers - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
