India's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the prospects of a number of cricketers - including head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a successful handover post the near-simultaneous departures of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Gill got injured early on in the first Test and took no further part in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the terribly sub-par display in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and several players hoping for lengthy Test careers were shown as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
It was the second series sweep on home soil experienced by India in just over a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage India's hopes of making the final of this cycle too.
After being third in the WTC rankings before the series, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Though nine more Tests are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why the team have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil lately is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered unbeatable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Now, India seem vulnerable on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they developed to favor their game went wrong completely, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, 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 domestic pitches have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to perform better abroad.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars play, has removed the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is validity in these views, it fails to account for why the team's showings at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Experts and participants have pointed to multiple deficiencies following India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the squad.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, 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 casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare just the players - team selectors and support staff were also questioned, driven by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
