India's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has all but vanished and the prospects of a number of cricketers - including team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The emerging side's impressive performance in England this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a seamless changeover following the near-simultaneous departures of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the domestic season strengthened that view, before the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill suffered an injury very early in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard performance in each match against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second clean sweep in home conditions suffered by India in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa risks harming the team's chances of reaching the decider of this edition too.
From number three in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to number five. Though nine further games are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even when facing the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. That said, why the team have struggled so much in Tests on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were seen as invincible in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an anomaly.
Now, the team appear to be beatable in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they curated to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the IPL, in which many overseas players participate, has removed the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with earlier.
Although there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain why the side's results at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not only one or two factors.
Experts and participants have identified various flaws after India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the side.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem didn't spare the entire setup - selectors and support staff were also under fire, spurred on by upset followers and vocal past stars. At the centre of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press