India's shocking 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It was South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum established in the past six months has almost disappeared and the futures of several players - including head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Disappears
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition after the near-simultaneous exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the team of the well below standard showing in the two games against the opposition.
Several established players suffered, and several players hoping for long red-ball careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second whitewash in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a spot in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage the team's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this edition as well.
From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have been relegated to fifth place. Though nine more Tests are still to come, half of these are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why the team have struggled so much in Tests at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, India were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Currently, India seem vulnerable at home.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they developed to favor their game went wrong completely, as rivals used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to fast tracks to train the squad to perform better overseas.
Some point out that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has removed the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with before.
While there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it fails to account for why the side's results at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars point to a multi-faceted challenge, not just a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings post India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the squad.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - came up short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included the entire setup - selectors and support staff were also questioned, spurred on by upset followers and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
