India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and India'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 almost disappeared and the prospects of several players - including head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Disappears
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a seamless changeover following the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the domestic season boosted that belief, until the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the team of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals aspiring to 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 at home experienced by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage the team's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this season also.
After being third in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have been relegated to number five. Even though nine more Tests are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - including against the powerful Australians. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. That said, why the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that helped spin and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Today, the team look to be vulnerable on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to help their style went wrong completely, as opponents exploited them better, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling at home because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to do well abroad.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which several international stars participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would challenge them with before.
While there is validity in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason the side's results at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Most former players point to a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Critics and players have highlighted various flaws post India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the side.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - fell short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review also included not only the cricketers - team selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, fuelled by distraught fans and vocal past stars. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
