India's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the futures of multiple squad members - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a smooth transition post the almost concurrent exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign boosted that belief, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill suffered an injury early on in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing display in each match against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second series sweep at home experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 victory which practically cost India a spot in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming India's hopes of reaching the final of this cycle too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table before the series, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Though nine further games are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason India have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an aberration.
Today, India look to be easy pickings at home.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that India is floundering at home because home surfaces have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to succeed abroad.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with before.
While there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify why the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars identify a complicated issue, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have highlighted several failings after the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the side.
Members like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - came up short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The review targeted the entire setup - team selectors and support staff were also questioned, driven by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
