India's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' first series win in India in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory gained during the last several months has largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - including team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The young team's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition following the almost concurrent exits of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home campaign strengthened that view, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Gill suffered an injury quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the team of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and several players eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second series sweep on home soil endured by India in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail India's prospects of reaching the showpiece of this season also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have fallen to the fifth spot. Although nine further games are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even when facing the powerful Australians. But the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. However, why the team have struggled so much in Test matches at home lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that helped spin and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an anomaly.
Now, India appear to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they developed to favor their game went wrong completely, as opponents exploited them better, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to perform better overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars take part, has reduced the surprise and difficulty home wickets would present to them in the past.
Even though there is validity in each argument, it does not clarify why the side's results on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted multiple deficiencies post India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the performances of the squad.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - came up short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare the entire setup - team selectors and backroom team were also criticized, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. Under focus of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
