India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. This represented the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's another home failure in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of several players - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The emerging side's strong showing in England this season, under a new captain, suggested a successful handover after the almost concurrent exits of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the home season strengthened that view, until the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill was injured very early in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the highly disappointing showing in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and multiple individuals aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This represented the second clean sweep on home soil suffered by India in just a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail the team's hopes of qualifying for the final of this season too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table before the series, India have fallen to fifth place. Though nine further games are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - including against the strong Australian side. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's weakness in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home lately is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Now, India appear to be easy pickings at home.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they curated to help their style went wrong completely, as rivals used them more effectively, beating the home team's players when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to succeed in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with earlier.
While there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain why the side's results at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complicated issue, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have identified several failings post India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the side.
Members such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - came up short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - the selection panel and support staff were also under fire, driven by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
