India's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm established in the last several months has almost disappeared and the futures of a number of cricketers - along with team coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Disappears
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a successful handover after the near-simultaneous exits of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing showing in each match against the opposition.
Several established players suffered, and a few members hoping for lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Concerning History
It was the second whitewash on home soil endured by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail the team's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition as well.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Although nine additional matches are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. However, why India have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an anomaly.
Currently, the team appear to be vulnerable at home.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents exploited them better, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to succeed abroad.
Some point out 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 earlier.
Although there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason India's performances at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted various flaws post India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the side.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - were found wanting in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem didn't spare the entire setup - team selectors and backroom team were also questioned, driven by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
