India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It was South Africa's initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Disappears
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover post the close together exits of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign boosted that belief, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill was injured very early in the initial match and took no further part in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the side of the terribly sub-par performance in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage the team's prospects of making the final of this season also.
After being third in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to number five. Though nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - including against the powerful Australians. Yet the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an exception.
Now, India appear to be easy pickings on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they developed to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to do well abroad.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which many overseas players play, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to various flaws post the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, overconfidence, frequent changes of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was obvious in the showings of the side.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review targeted just the players - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
