India's surprising 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, the visiting team gave India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and India's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm established in the last several months has all but vanished and the futures of several players - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The young team's strong showing in England this season, under a new captain, suggested a successful handover post the near-simultaneous exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill suffered an injury very early in the initial match and took no further part in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard performance in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members aspiring to long red-ball careers were shown as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second whitewash in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa risks harming the team's hopes of reaching the decider of this edition also.
After being third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Though nine more Tests are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a major plus - including against the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that helped spin and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an exception.
Now, India appear to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they prepared to help their style failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to succeed overseas.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has removed the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would present to them earlier.
While there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it does not clarify the reason India's performances on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars point to a multi-faceted challenge, not just a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have pointed to various flaws after India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the team.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Management Questions
The post-mortem didn't spare the entire setup - selectors and support staff were also questioned, driven by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
