India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team gave India a record loss in Test cricket, against all odds. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm built over the past six months has largely dissipated and the futures of several players - including team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Disappears
The young team's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a successful handover following the near-simultaneous departures of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, until the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the side of the well below standard display in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were shown as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This was the second clean sweep on home soil suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a place in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail India's hopes of making the showpiece of this edition too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table before the series, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Even though nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even against the strong Australian side. But the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. However, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests on home soil lately is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an aberration.
Today, the team appear to be beatable on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they developed to favor their game went wrong completely, as opponents used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering at home because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to do well abroad.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players participate, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would present to them before.
While there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted various flaws after India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, overconfidence, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the team.
Cricketers like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - came up short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis targeted the entire setup - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, driven by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
