India's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum built over the last several months has almost disappeared and the careers of multiple squad members - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this season, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition post the close together departures of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the home season boosted that belief, before the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and multiple individuals aspiring to lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
It was the second whitewash at home endured by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a spot in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage India's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this cycle also.
After being third in the WTC table before the series, India have fallen to fifth place. Even though nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even when facing the powerful Australians. But the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. That said, why India have fared so badly in Test matches at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that helped spin and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an aberration.
Today, the team appear to be vulnerable at home.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they prepared to help their style went wrong completely, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to do well overseas.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has taken away the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would challenge them with earlier.
While there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify why India's performances at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to various flaws post India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the team.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - fell short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem didn't spare not only the cricketers - selectors and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and critical former players. Under focus of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
