India's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm built over the last several months has all but vanished and the prospects of several players - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in England this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover following the near-simultaneous retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. However, that fails to account for the squad of the terribly sub-par display in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
This represented the second clean sweep on home soil suffered by India in just a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail the team's hopes of reaching the final of this edition also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Even though nine further games are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even when facing the powerful Australians. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's weakness in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Tests at home lately is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an exception.
Currently, India look to be vulnerable at home.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they prepared to favor their game went wrong completely, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing the home team's players when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to do well overseas.
Some point out that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has removed the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would pose to them earlier.
Even though there is validity in these views, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to one or two factors.
Critics and players have pointed to multiple deficiencies post the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was obvious in the showings of the side.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem targeted just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. Under focus of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
