India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's first series win in India in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum established in the past six months has all but vanished and the futures of a number of cricketers - along with team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this season, under a different skipper, indicated a smooth transition post the almost concurrent exits of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the home season boosted that belief, until the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard showing in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
It was the second series sweep at home experienced by India in just over a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 victory which practically cost India a berth in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage India's chances of qualifying for the final of this cycle also.
From number three in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine further games are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even when facing the powerful Australians. But the failures against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, India were considered invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an aberration.
Today, India seem vulnerable in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they developed to help their style went wrong completely, as opponents exploited them better, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is floundering at home because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to do well abroad.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would present to them in the past.
Even though there is validity in these views, it still does not explain the reason India's performances at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not just a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have highlighted multiple deficiencies after the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the side.
Cricketers such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis also included not only the cricketers - selectors and support staff were also under fire, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
