India's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, the visiting team handed India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, against all odds. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum built over the past six months has largely dissipated and the careers of a number of cricketers - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this season, under a new captain, pointed to a seamless changeover following the almost concurrent exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home season enhanced that perception, before the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill got injured quickly in the first Test and took no further part in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the terribly sub-par display in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and several players aspiring to lengthy Test careers were revealed to be 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. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 victory which practically cost India a spot in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage the team's prospects of reaching the decider of this season too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table before the series, India have fallen to number five. Although nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the strong Australian side. But the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in Test cricket has been badly exposed. That said, the reason India have performed so poorly in Tests at home lately is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were considered invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that assisted spinners 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 anomaly.
Currently, the team appear to be easy pickings on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they developed to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as rivals exploited them better, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better overseas.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would pose to them earlier.
While there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it fails to account for why the team's showings at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just one or two factors.
Critics and players have pointed to various flaws after India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.
This was obvious in the showings of the team.
Members like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The review targeted not only the cricketers - team selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, spurred on by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
