India's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It was South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum established in the last several months has all but vanished and the prospects of multiple squad members - along with head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover following the almost concurrent departures of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the home season enhanced that perception, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. However, that fails to account for the squad of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against the opposition.
Several established players took a hit, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Concerning History
This was the second series sweep on home soil experienced by India in just a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage the team's prospects of reaching the final of this cycle also.
After being third in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have fallen to number five. Though nine additional matches are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even when facing the strong Australian side. However the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, why the team have fared so badly in Tests at home recently is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, India were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an aberration.
Today, India look to be vulnerable on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to do well in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars participate, has removed the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would pose to them before.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it does not clarify why the side's results at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars point to a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted various flaws post the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the squad.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to win matches.
Management Questions
The post-mortem didn't spare the entire setup - selectors and backroom team were also criticized, spurred on by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press