India's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm built over the last several months has almost disappeared and the futures of several players - including head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a successful handover following the close together departures of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, before the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. However, that fails to account for the squad of the highly disappointing performance in each match against the opposition.
Several established players were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second clean sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail the team's hopes of reaching the decider of this cycle also.
From number three in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Even though nine more Tests are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in Test cricket has been badly exposed. That said, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches at home recently is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were seen as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an aberration.
Currently, India seem easy pickings in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they prepared to help their style went wrong completely, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to fast tracks to train the squad to do well overseas.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would challenge them with earlier.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it does not clarify why the side's results at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players diagnose a complicated issue, not just one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to various flaws post the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was obvious in the performances of the squad.
Players such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - fell short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but inadequately to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - selectors and support staff were also under fire, driven by distraught fans and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
