India's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team gave India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory built over the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the careers of several players - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Disappears
The young team's commendable display in the UK this season, under a different skipper, suggested a seamless changeover after the close together exits of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the home season enhanced that perception, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill was injured quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. But that fails to account for the squad of the well below standard performance in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and multiple individuals aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second clean sweep on home soil endured by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail India's prospects of reaching the decider of this cycle too.
After being third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have been relegated to fifth place. Though nine more Tests are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason the team have performed so poorly 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 Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an aberration.
Today, the team look to be easy pickings on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they developed to help their style backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing at home because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better overseas.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players play, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would pose to them earlier.
While there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not just one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to multiple deficiencies post India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the displays of the squad.
Players such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - came up short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem didn't spare just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, fuelled by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
