India's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum gained during the last several months has all but vanished and the futures of a number of cricketers - including head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The young team's impressive performance in England this season, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition post the almost concurrent retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill got injured very early in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the team of the highly disappointing showing in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
It was the second clean sweep at home endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which practically cost India a spot in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming the team's hopes of making the final of this season as well.
From number three in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine more Tests are remaining, half of these 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 the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Currently, India appear to be beatable in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they curated to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to succeed in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars play, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would challenge them with in the past.
While there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a few causes.
Critics and players have pointed to multiple deficiencies following India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the squad.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - fell short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted the entire setup - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
