The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum built over the previous half-year has all but vanished and the prospects of multiple squad members - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a seamless changeover post the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the home season enhanced that perception, until the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
India were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill was injured early on in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. But that fails to account for the team of the terribly sub-par display in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and several players aspiring to long red-ball careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash at home suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming India's hopes of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table before the series, the side have fallen to fifth place. Though nine additional matches are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a huge advantage - including against the mighty Aussies. However the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been badly exposed. That said, why the team have struggled so much in Tests at home recently is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an exception.
Today, India seem easy pickings in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they prepared to favor their game went wrong completely, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars play, has removed the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would challenge them with before.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it does not clarify why India's performances at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players identify a complicated issue, not only a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have identified multiple deficiencies following the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, frequent changes of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the squad.
Players such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - fell short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included not only the cricketers - selectors and support staff were also under fire, driven by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
