India's surprising 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. This represented the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory built over the last several months has all but vanished and the careers of a number of cricketers - as well as head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a successful handover post the near-simultaneous departures of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the domestic season enhanced that perception, before the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill was injured very early in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. But that fails to account for the squad of the terribly sub-par showing in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Concerning History
This represented the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to South Africa risks harming India's chances of reaching the showpiece of this season too.
From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have been relegated to fifth place. Though nine further games are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even when facing the powerful Australians. Yet the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been clearly revealed. That said, why India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, India were considered impregnable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that helped spin and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was considered an anomaly.
Today, India look to be beatable on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they curated to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as the opposition used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is struggling at home because local wickets 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 numerous foreign cricketers take part, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would present to them in the past.
While there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it does not clarify why the side's results at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players diagnose a complicated issue, not only a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have pointed to various flaws following India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, arrogance, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the side.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - fell short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not well enough to claim wins.
Management Questions
The post-mortem didn't spare not only the cricketers - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
