India's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum gained during the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the futures of a number of cricketers - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a successful handover post the near-simultaneous exits of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, until the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill suffered an injury early on in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the terribly sub-par display in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were shown as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second whitewash at home endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a place in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage the team's prospects of reaching the final of this edition too.
From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have fallen to number five. Although nine additional matches are still to come, half of these are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the powerful Australians. However the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, India were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that helped spin and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Currently, the team seem vulnerable in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to succeed overseas.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players participate, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them before.
Even though there is validity in each argument, it does not clarify why the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a few causes.
Critics and players have highlighted various flaws after India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, arrogance, regular alterations of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the team.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - came up short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not well enough to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis targeted not only the cricketers - selectors and support staff were also criticized, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
