The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm built over the last several months has all but vanished and the prospects of multiple squad members - as well as head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The emerging side's impressive performance in England this season, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition post the close together exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, before the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. However, that fails to account for the side of the highly disappointing display in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and a few members hoping for lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second clean sweep at home endured by India in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming India's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle as well.
From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have fallen to fifth place. Although nine further games are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a major plus - even against the powerful Australians. However the failures against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an exception.
Now, India look to be beatable on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition exploited them better, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is struggling at home because local wickets have been changed from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to perform better abroad.
Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past.
While there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it does not clarify why India's performances at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Most former players diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.
Critics and players have pointed to various flaws after the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over the longer format.
This was evident in the performances of the squad.
Players such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - fell short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis also included the entire setup - team selectors and backroom team were also criticized, driven by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
