India's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum gained during the last several months has all but vanished and the careers of several players - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a smooth transition after the almost concurrent departures of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
India were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill got injured quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the side of the terribly sub-par display in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals aspiring to long red-ball careers were exposed as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second series sweep at home suffered by India in just a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a spot in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail India's prospects of making the showpiece of this cycle as well.
From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have been relegated to fifth place. Though nine further games are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. However the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an exception.
Currently, the team seem beatable on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they curated to favor their game failed miserably, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to do well overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has removed the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would present to them in the past.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings after the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the squad.
Cricketers such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - fell short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Management Questions
The analysis also included not only the cricketers - selectors and support staff were also criticized, fuelled by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. At the centre of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
