India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum established in the last several months has almost disappeared and the careers of a number of cricketers - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The young team's strong showing in the UK this season, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover after the almost concurrent exits of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the home season enhanced that perception, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the terribly sub-par showing in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and several players hoping for lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash in home conditions experienced by India in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa risks harming the team's prospects of reaching the decider of this edition as well.
From number three in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Although nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - including against the strong Australian side. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's weakness in Test cricket has been badly exposed. That said, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Now, the team appear to be beatable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they curated to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition exploited them better, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is floundering at home because local wickets have been modified from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to succeed in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars play, has taken away the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them earlier.
Although there is validity in each argument, it fails to account for why India's performances at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a multi-faceted challenge, not only a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have highlighted various flaws after India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the team.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Management Questions
The post-mortem didn't spare not only the cricketers - team selectors and support staff were also criticized, spurred on by upset followers and critical former players. In the spotlight of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
