India's surprising 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum established in the last several months has almost disappeared and the prospects of several players - including head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a successful handover after the almost concurrent retirements of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the home season enhanced that perception, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill got injured very early in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. But that fails to account for the squad of the terribly sub-par display in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second clean sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's chances of reaching the final of this season too.
From number three in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have dropped to number five. Though nine additional matches are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even against the strong Australian side. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why India have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an exception.
Now, the team look to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents exploited them better, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to succeed overseas.
A few mention that the IPL, in which several international stars participate, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is validity in these views, it does not clarify the reason India's performances at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not only one or two factors.
Experts and participants have identified several failings post India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and emphasizing white-ball over the longer format.
This was clear in the performances of the team.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - came up short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, spurred on by disappointed supporters and critical former players. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
