India's surprising 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, the visiting team gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's another home failure in just one 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 Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this season, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season boosted that belief, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill suffered an injury quickly in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the side of the well below standard showing in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second clean sweep in home conditions endured by India in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage the team's chances of reaching the decider of this season too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Though nine more Tests are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. However the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an exception.
Now, the team look to be vulnerable at home.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they curated to help their style failed miserably, as opponents exploited them better, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because local wickets 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 numerous foreign cricketers play, has removed the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would pose to them in the past.
While there is some truth in these views, it fails to account for why India's performances on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players point to a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.
Experts and participants have highlighted several failings following India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the team.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included just the players - team selectors and backroom team were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. At the centre of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
