The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory established in the past six months has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - along with team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The young team's strong showing in the UK this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a smooth transition after the close together departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season boosted that belief, until the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill was injured very early in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second whitewash at home suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 victory which practically cost India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage the team's chances of making the decider of this season also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to number five. Although nine further games are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even when facing the powerful Australians. However the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil recently is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as invincible in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an aberration.
Now, India seem beatable on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they curated to favor their game went wrong completely, as opponents used them more effectively, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to succeed in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players take part, has taken away the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is validity in each argument, it fails to account for why the team's showings on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have highlighted various flaws after the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, frequent changes of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was obvious in the performances of the team.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The review targeted not only the cricketers - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
