India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has all but vanished and the careers of multiple squad members - including head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The emerging side's strong showing in England this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a seamless changeover post the near-simultaneous retirements of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home season boosted that belief, before the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Gill suffered an injury early on in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. Yet that fails to account for the squad of the terribly sub-par showing in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Concerning History
It was the second clean sweep in home conditions endured by India in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage the team's prospects of reaching the final of this cycle also.
From number three in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have fallen to number five. Even though nine further games are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a huge advantage - including against the strong Australian side. However the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Now, the team seem vulnerable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that India is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to succeed overseas.
A few mention that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it does not clarify the reason India's performances at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars identify a complicated issue, not only a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to various flaws following India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, overconfidence, frequent changes of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over the longer format.
This was clear in the performances of the team.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Management Questions
The post-mortem targeted the entire setup - selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, spurred on by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
