India's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum built over the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the prospects of multiple squad members - along with team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this season, under a different skipper, indicated a seamless changeover after the almost concurrent retirements of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill was injured early on in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. But that fails to account for the side of the highly disappointing display in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
It was the second clean sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa risks harming the team's chances of qualifying for the decider of this edition as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table before the series, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Even though nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even when facing the strong Australian side. But the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, why the team have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an aberration.
Now, the team appear to be beatable on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they developed to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as rivals used them more effectively, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to succeed abroad.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them before.
While there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify why the side's results at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not only a few causes.
Experts and participants have highlighted multiple deficiencies after India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the team.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - fell short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis targeted just the players - the selection panel and support staff were also questioned, driven by upset followers and vocal past stars. At the centre of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
