India's surprising 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm established in the last several months has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Disappears
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this season, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition post the near-simultaneous retirements of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Gill was injured quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. But that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par display in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and a few members aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were shown as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep at home endured by India in just a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming the team's chances of making the decider of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, India have fallen to the fifth spot. Although nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a major plus - even against the strong Australian side. But the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. However, why India have fared so badly in Test matches at home recently is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an exception.
Currently, India look to be vulnerable on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they developed to help their style went wrong completely, as the opposition used them more effectively, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to do well overseas.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars participate, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would challenge them with before.
While there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason the side's results on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to multiple deficiencies following the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over the longer format.
This was obvious in the displays of the side.
Cricketers such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but inadequately to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis targeted the entire setup - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
