India's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - along with team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Disappears
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this season, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover following the close together departures of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign boosted that belief, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the highly disappointing showing in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players were damaged, and multiple individuals aspiring to lengthy Test careers were exposed as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This represented the second series sweep on home soil experienced by India in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming the team's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this edition also.
From number three in the WTC table before the series, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Even though nine further games are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even when facing the powerful Australians. Yet the failures against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches at home recently is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, India were considered unbeatable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that helped spin and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an aberration.
Now, India look to be vulnerable on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they developed to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to do well overseas.
A few mention that the IPL, in which several international stars participate, has removed the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would present to them earlier.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it still does not explain why the side's results at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have pointed to several failings following the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, overconfidence, regular alterations of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the showings of the team.
Cricketers like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included the entire setup - selectors and backroom team were also under fire, spurred on by upset followers and critical former players. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
