India's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and India's another home failure in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a smooth transition after the close together retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the home season boosted that belief, before the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill was injured very early in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the team of the highly disappointing performance in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second whitewash on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 win which essentially denied India a place in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage India's chances of reaching the final of this edition too.
From number three in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to number five. Although nine further games are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, why the team have performed so poorly in Tests at home lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Currently, the team look to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as rivals used them more effectively, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering at home because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to perform better abroad.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would pose to them earlier.
Even though there is validity in each argument, it still does not explain the reason India's performances on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.
Critics and players have pointed to several failings after the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, poor choices, arrogance, frequent changes of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the team.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - came up short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis didn't spare just the players - team selectors and backroom team were also criticized, driven by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
