India's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory established in the past six months has largely dissipated and the prospects of multiple squad members - as well as head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The emerging side's impressive performance in England this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a smooth transition following the close together departures of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the home season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill was injured quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the terribly sub-par display in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
It was the second whitewash in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming India's hopes of reaching the showpiece of this season also.
After being third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Even though nine further games are still to come, half of these are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a huge advantage - including against the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. However, why India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were seen as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Currently, the team look to be beatable on home turf.
Against New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they developed to help their style went wrong completely, as opponents used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better abroad.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has taken away the surprise and difficulty home wickets would present to them before.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it fails to account for the reason India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Critics and players have pointed to multiple deficiencies after India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the side.
Members such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while 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 nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare not only the cricketers - selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, driven by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
