India's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has all but vanished and the futures of a number of cricketers - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this season, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover after the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home season boosted that belief, before the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill suffered an injury very early in the first Test and took no further part in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This represented the second series sweep in home conditions suffered by India in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 win which practically cost India a spot in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage the team's chances of making the final of this season too.
From number three in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have fallen to the fifth spot. Even though nine more Tests are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why India have struggled so much in Test matches at home lately is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an aberration.
Currently, India appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they developed to help their style failed miserably, as rivals used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players when it mattered most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is floundering in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to succeed overseas.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would present to them before.
While there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complicated issue, not limited to a few causes.
Experts and participants have pointed to various flaws post the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the team.
Players like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - came up short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem targeted not only the cricketers - the selection panel and support staff were also questioned, driven by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. Under focus of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press