India's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum established in the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the futures of a number of cricketers - including team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a smooth transition post the near-simultaneous retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the home season enhanced that perception, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the terribly sub-par display in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Concerning History
This was the second whitewash in home conditions suffered by India in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 win which practically cost India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming India's prospects of making the showpiece of this cycle as well.
After being third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Even though nine further games are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even when facing the powerful Australians. However the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's weakness in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Now, India look to be beatable at home.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they developed to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering at home because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to do well in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players take part, has taken away the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them in the past.
While there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players diagnose a complicated issue, not just one or two factors.
Critics and players have identified various flaws after the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was obvious in the displays of the team.
Cricketers such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The review didn't spare the entire setup - team selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, spurred on by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
