India's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the prospects of several players - as well as head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Disappears
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a new captain, suggested a seamless changeover following the close together exits of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the domestic season boosted that belief, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
India were a bit unlucky that captain Gill suffered an injury early on in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the team of the highly disappointing display in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Concerning History
This was the second clean sweep in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage India's hopes of making the final of this edition as well.
After being third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Although nine further games are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even against the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's frailty in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Tests at home lately is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an aberration.
Currently, India seem easy pickings at home.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to favor their game failed miserably, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to do well overseas.
Some point out that the IPL, in which many overseas players take part, has removed the surprise and difficulty home wickets would present to them before.
While there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify why India's performances at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars identify a complicated issue, not just one or two factors.
Critics and players have pointed to various flaws after the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the squad.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - fell short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not well enough to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis didn't spare just the players - selectors and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by distraught fans and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
