India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, the visiting team handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in India in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has largely dissipated and the futures of a number of cricketers - along with team coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Disappears
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a seamless changeover following the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. But that fails to account for the side of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash on home soil experienced by India in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which practically cost India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail India's prospects of reaching the showpiece of this edition also.
After being third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Though nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - including against the powerful Australians. But the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, why the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were considered unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Currently, India look to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would pose to them earlier.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players identify a complicated issue, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have pointed to multiple deficiencies following India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over the longer format.
This was obvious in the displays of the team.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but inadequately to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis targeted not only the cricketers - the selection panel and coaching staff were also criticized, driven by upset followers and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press