India's surprising 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory established in the previous half-year has all but vanished and the careers of several players - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this season, under a new captain, pointed to a smooth transition after the almost concurrent retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the well below standard display in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and multiple individuals hoping for extended tenures in Tests were shown as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Concerning History
This was the second whitewash at home experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail India's prospects of qualifying for the decider of this cycle too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table before the series, India have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. However the failures against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's frailty in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an exception.
Now, India seem beatable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they curated to favor their game went wrong completely, as rivals exploited them better, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing at home because local wickets have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to succeed in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.
While there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it still does not explain why India's performances at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not just one or two factors.
Experts and participants have pointed to several failings post India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, poor choices, overconfidence, regular alterations of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the side.
Players like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - came up short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not well enough to secure victories.
Management Questions
The post-mortem targeted the entire setup - the selection panel and backroom team were also criticized, fuelled by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
