India's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum built over the past six months has largely dissipated and the futures of multiple squad members - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition following the almost concurrent exits of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.
India were a bit unlucky that captain Gill was injured very early in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. However, that fails to account for the team of the terribly sub-par performance in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second clean sweep in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 victory which practically cost India a place in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail the team's prospects of qualifying for the final of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Although nine further games are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a major plus - even against the strong Australian side. Yet the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why India have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were seen as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that helped spin and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an aberration.
Today, India look to be vulnerable at home.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they curated to favor their game went wrong completely, as rivals used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to perform better overseas.
A few mention that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has reduced the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would challenge them with before.
While there is validity in each argument, it fails to account for the reason India's performances at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings following the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the team.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem targeted just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
