India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' first series win in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the futures of multiple squad members - along with head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a successful handover post the near-simultaneous exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill got injured early on in the initial match and took no further part in the series. But that fails to account for the squad of the well below standard performance in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players were damaged, and a few members hoping for long red-ball careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second series sweep on home soil endured by India in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a berth in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming the team's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition too.
From number three in the WTC table before the series, India have fallen to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil lately is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, India were seen as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an anomaly.
Now, India seem easy pickings at home.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as rivals exploited them better, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling at home because home surfaces have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to perform better in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has removed the surprise and difficulty home wickets would present to them earlier.
Even though there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just one or two factors.
Experts and participants have highlighted various flaws following India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, overconfidence, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the squad.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - were found wanting in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review also included just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also criticized, driven by distraught fans and critical former players. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
