India's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm built over the past six months has almost disappeared and the prospects of multiple squad members - including head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Disappears
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this season, under a new captain, pointed to a seamless changeover post the close together departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign strengthened that view, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par performance in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and several players eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Concerning History
This was the second whitewash at home endured by India in just over a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage India's hopes of making the final of this edition also.
From number three in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, India have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine more Tests are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. But the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. However, why the team have struggled so much in Test matches at home recently is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an anomaly.
Now, the team appear to be vulnerable at home.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they developed to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to fast tracks to train the squad to do well abroad.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars participate, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would present to them earlier.
While there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain why the team's showings at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have pointed to various flaws after the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over the longer format.
This was obvious in the showings of the team.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review also included just the players - selectors and support staff were also criticized, fuelled by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
