India's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's first series win in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of several players - as well as head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover after the close together exits of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign boosted that belief, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill was injured early on in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. Yet that fails to account for the team of the terribly sub-par showing in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and several players hoping for long red-ball careers were shown as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second clean sweep at home suffered by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage the team's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle also.
From number three in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Though nine further games are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - including against the powerful Australians. Yet the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. However, why the team have performed so poorly in Tests at home lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an aberration.
Today, the team look to be beatable in their own backyard.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as the opposition used them more effectively, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing at home because local wickets have been altered from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to do well overseas.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would present to them before.
Although there is validity in these views, it fails to account for why the team's showings on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have identified various flaws following India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the team.
Cricketers such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - fell short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to win matches.
Management Questions
The analysis didn't spare not only the cricketers - selectors and support staff were also under fire, spurred on by upset followers and critical former players. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
