India's surprising 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in India in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory built over the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of a number of cricketers - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in England this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a smooth transition following the close together exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign boosted that belief, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing performance in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and several players eyeing long red-ball careers were shown as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
This was the second clean sweep in home conditions suffered by India in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which practically cost India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail India's hopes of making the showpiece of this season too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Although nine more Tests are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a major plus - even when facing the powerful Australians. But the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why India have fared so badly in Tests at home in recent times is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an aberration.
Now, India seem easy pickings at home.
Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they developed to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the home team's players when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with before.
Even though there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain the reason the side's results on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Most former players diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to various flaws post the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the team.
Cricketers such as 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 - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Management Questions
The analysis also included just the players - team selectors and backroom team were also under fire, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
