India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - along with head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a successful handover following the near-simultaneous departures of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the domestic season strengthened that view, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the initial match and took no further part in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par performance in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
This represented the second clean sweep in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail India's chances of making the showpiece of this season as well.
From number three in the WTC table before the series, India have dropped to number five. Though nine more Tests are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even against the mighty Aussies. Yet the failures against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an aberration.
Now, the team appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents used them more effectively, beating the home team's players when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to do well abroad.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players play, has removed the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it fails to account for the reason the side's results on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complicated issue, not limited to one or two factors.
Critics and players have pointed to several failings after India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the squad.
Players such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - fell short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted just the players - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
