India's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in India in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum established in the last several months has almost disappeared and the futures of several players - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Disappears
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a new captain, suggested a successful handover after the near-simultaneous departures of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the home campaign boosted that belief, until the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill got injured very early in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This was the second whitewash at home experienced by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 win which essentially denied India a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this edition as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Though nine additional matches are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even when facing the strong Australian side. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, India were seen as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an exception.
Currently, the team look to be easy pickings on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they developed to help their style backfired spectacularly, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling at home because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to succeed in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which many overseas players participate, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with before.
Although there is some truth in both analyses, it fails to account for why the side's results at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complicated issue, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have highlighted several failings following the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, regular alterations of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.
This was obvious in the showings of the team.
Members such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem also included just the players - selectors and backroom team were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
