India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum gained during the past six months has largely dissipated and the futures of a number of cricketers - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a seamless changeover after the close together departures of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season boosted that belief, till the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill was injured early on in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the well below standard performance in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players were damaged, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa risks harming India's prospects of making the decider of this cycle as well.
From number three in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to fifth place. Though nine more Tests are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. However the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. However, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home recently is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an exception.
Today, the team look to be beatable at home.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they curated to favor their game failed miserably, as rivals used them more effectively, beating the home team's players when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to succeed overseas.
Some point out that the IPL, in which many overseas players play, has taken away the surprise and difficulty home wickets would present to them earlier.
Although there is validity in each argument, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complicated issue, not only one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to various flaws following the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, regular alterations of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over the longer format.
This was obvious in the displays of the team.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not well enough to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The review didn't spare the entire setup - the selection panel and backroom team were also under fire, spurred on by upset followers and critical former players. At the centre of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
