India's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has almost disappeared and the careers of a number of cricketers - along with head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Disappears
The emerging side's strong showing in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season strengthened that view, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill was injured very early in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par performance in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This represented the second whitewash in home conditions experienced by India in just a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa risks harming the team's prospects of reaching the final of this cycle as well.
After being third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have been relegated to number five. Even though nine further games are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in Test cricket has been badly exposed. That said, why India have performed so poorly in Test matches at home lately is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an aberration.
Now, India look to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they curated to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition exploited them better, surpassing the home team's players when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better abroad.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has taken away the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would challenge them with before.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason the side's results on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars point to a complicated issue, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have identified various flaws following India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the squad.
Cricketers like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - fell short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included the entire setup - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
