India's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum established in the past six months has almost disappeared and the futures of multiple squad members - along with team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Disappears
The young team's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a seamless changeover after the almost concurrent exits of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the home campaign boosted that belief, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the terribly sub-par performance in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and several players eyeing long red-ball careers were shown as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This represented the second whitewash at home suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage India's prospects of making the decider of this cycle as well.
From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Even though nine additional matches are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even against the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why India have struggled so much in Tests at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, India were considered invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Now, India look to be beatable at home.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is failing at home because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to perform better in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is validity in each argument, it does not clarify why India's performances at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.
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 multiple deficiencies after India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the squad.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - fell short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not well enough to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem targeted just the players - selectors and support staff were also under fire, driven by upset followers and vocal past stars. At the centre of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
