India's shocking 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in India in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm established in the last several months has almost disappeared and the futures of several players - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this summer, under a new captain, suggested a successful handover following the close together departures of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill was injured quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the side of the well below standard showing in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals hoping for lengthy Test careers were exposed as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second clean sweep at home suffered by India in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail India's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Although nine more Tests are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even against the powerful Australians. But the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an exception.
Now, the team appear to be beatable in their own backyard.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as the opposition exploited them better, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to perform better abroad.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars take part, has removed the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complicated issue, not only a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have pointed to various flaws following India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the displays of the side.
Members such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - came up short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted the entire setup - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by upset followers and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
