India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum built over the past six months has all but vanished and the futures of multiple squad members - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Disappears
The emerging side's strong showing in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover post the almost concurrent retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the home season enhanced that perception, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill got injured early on in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. However, that fails to account for the team of the terribly sub-par display in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and a few members aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were shown as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second series sweep at home experienced by India in just a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail India's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this cycle also.
From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have fallen to fifth place. Though nine more Tests are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a major plus - even when facing the powerful Australians. However the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason India have performed so poorly in Test matches at home lately is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an exception.
Now, India seem vulnerable at home.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they curated to help their style failed miserably, as rivals exploited them better, surpassing India's batsmen 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 altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to perform better in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has taken away the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would pose to them in the past.
While there is validity in both analyses, it fails to account for the reason India's performances on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted various flaws after India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, arrogance, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the performances of the team.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The review didn't spare just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, fuelled by distraught fans and critical former players. At the centre of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
