India's surprising 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 a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory built over the past six months has all but vanished and the prospects of several players - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a successful handover after the close together retirements of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill got injured quickly in the first Test and took no further part in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard display in each match against the opposition.
Several established players suffered, and multiple individuals hoping for lengthy Test careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second whitewash at home endured by India in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage India's prospects of reaching the final of this cycle also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Although nine more Tests are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a major plus - even when facing the mighty Aussies. However the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why India have performed so poorly in Test matches at home lately is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Now, India look to be beatable at home.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents exploited them better, outplaying the home team's players when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to do well overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would pose to them earlier.
While there is some truth in these views, it fails to account for why the team's showings on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not only a few causes.
Experts and participants have highlighted several failings following the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the team.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Management Questions
The post-mortem targeted just the players - selectors and support staff were also criticized, driven by upset followers and critical former players. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
