India's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. This represented South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm built over the past six months has all but vanished and the futures of a number of cricketers - along with head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this season, under a different skipper, suggested a seamless changeover following the almost concurrent exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the home season boosted that belief, before the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill was injured quickly in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. However, that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par display in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second whitewash at home suffered by India in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming the team's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this season too.
From number three in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to fifth place. Though nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. However, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Tests at home recently is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Currently, the team appear to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling at home because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars take part, has reduced the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would pose to them in the past.
Even though there is validity in these views, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted multiple deficiencies post India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the side.
Players such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - came up short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem also included just the players - team selectors and backroom team were also under fire, fuelled by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
