India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, the visiting team gave India a record Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It was South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory established in the past six months has almost disappeared and the prospects of a number of cricketers - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The young team's commendable display in the UK this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a seamless changeover following the close together departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the home campaign strengthened that view, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. But that fails to account for the side of the well below standard display in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and several players hoping for extended tenures in Tests were shown as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second clean sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 win which essentially denied India a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage the team's hopes of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have fallen to number five. Though nine further games are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even when facing the strong Australian side. However the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Now, India appear to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals used them more effectively, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would present to them before.
While there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain why the team's showings at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a multi-faceted challenge, not just one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings post India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over the longer format.
This was evident in the performances of the team.
Players like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis targeted just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
