India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's first series win in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory built over the last several months has largely dissipated and the futures of a number of cricketers - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Disappears
The emerging side's impressive performance in England this summer, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover post the near-simultaneous retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the home season boosted that belief, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the team of the well below standard display in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were shown as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second series sweep on home soil suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail India's hopes of reaching the final of this season too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to number five. Even though nine further games are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - including against the mighty Aussies. However the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's weakness in the longer format has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have struggled so much in Test matches at home in recent times is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an exception.
Now, India seem vulnerable in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they developed to help their style went wrong completely, as opponents used them more effectively, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to perform better overseas.
A few mention that the IPL, in which many overseas players take part, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with in the past.
While there is validity in these views, it fails to account for why India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a few causes.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings after India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the team.
Members like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also criticized, driven by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
