India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has largely dissipated and the prospects of multiple squad members - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this season, under a different skipper, suggested a smooth transition after the close together departures of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing performance in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This was the second clean sweep on home soil endured by India in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail India's prospects of making the decider of this edition as well.
From number three in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even when facing the strong Australian side. But the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home recently is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Currently, India look to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as opponents exploited them better, surpassing the home team's players when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has taken away the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would pose to them in the past.
Although there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players point to a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have identified various flaws post India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, poor choices, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the team.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - fell short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted just the players - selectors and backroom team were also criticized, fuelled by disappointed supporters and critical former players. At the centre of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
