India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It was South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum gained during the last several months has almost disappeared and the futures of a number of cricketers - including head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a smooth transition post the close together departures of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign boosted that belief, before the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and took no further part in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the side of the highly disappointing display in each match against South Africa.
Several established players were damaged, and several players aspiring to lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second whitewash at home experienced by India in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage the team's hopes of making the decider of this season also.
From number three in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have dropped to number five. Though nine additional matches are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a major plus - even when facing the powerful Australians. But the failures against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, India were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an exception.
Now, India look to be easy pickings on home turf.
Against New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they curated to favor their game 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 failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to do well in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars take part, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would present to them in the past.
Although there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain why the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not limited to one or two factors.
Experts and participants have pointed to various flaws after India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the squad.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Management Questions
The analysis also included just the players - selectors and backroom team were also under fire, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
