India's surprising 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, the visiting team gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum gained during the past six months has all but vanished and the prospects of a number of cricketers - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this season, under a new captain, suggested a seamless changeover following the near-simultaneous departures of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing showing in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and several players hoping for lengthy Test careers were shown as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
This was the second whitewash on home soil endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 win which effectively cost India a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage India's hopes of reaching the showpiece of this cycle also.
After being third in the Test championship standings before the series, India have dropped to number five. Though nine more Tests are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests at home lately is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, India were considered invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an exception.
Currently, India appear to be beatable on home turf.
Against New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they developed to help their style went wrong completely, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing at home because home surfaces have been modified from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to perform better in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the IPL, in which several international stars participate, has removed the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would present to them earlier.
While there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain the reason the side's results at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Critics and players have identified several failings following India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, arrogance, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over the longer format.
This was clear in the showings of the team.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - fell short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Management Questions
The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - team selectors and backroom team were also questioned, driven by upset followers and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
