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 Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the futures of several players - as well as team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition following the almost concurrent departures of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign strengthened that view, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill got injured early on in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the terribly sub-par performance in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members aspiring to lengthy Test careers were shown as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second series sweep at home endured by India in just a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have fallen to fifth place. Even though nine further games are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. However, why the team have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded 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. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an aberration.
Today, the team seem easy pickings in their own backyard.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they developed to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals exploited them better, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to do well in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has removed the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them before.
Even though there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify why the team's showings at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a multi-faceted challenge, not just a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted multiple deficiencies post the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over the longer format.
This was evident in the displays of the squad.
Cricketers like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Management Questions
The post-mortem didn't spare just the players - team selectors and backroom team were also criticized, spurred on by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
