India's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the futures of multiple squad members - as well as team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Disappears
The young team's strong showing in the UK this season, under a new captain, pointed to a successful handover after the almost concurrent retirements of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the home season enhanced that perception, before the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
India were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard performance in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second clean sweep at home experienced by India in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail India's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition also.
After being third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have fallen to the fifth spot. Although nine additional matches are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a huge advantage - including against the mighty Aussies. Yet the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, why the team have struggled so much in Tests at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were considered invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an aberration.
Now, the team seem easy pickings on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they developed to help their style went wrong completely, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to perform better overseas.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have identified multiple deficiencies following the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over the longer format.
This was evident in the performances of the squad.
Members such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but inadequately to win matches.
Management Questions
The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - team selectors and backroom team were also criticized, fuelled by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
