India's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's maiden series victory 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 winning rhythm established in the last several months has almost disappeared and the prospects of a number of cricketers - as well as head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The young team's commendable display in the UK this season, under a new captain, pointed to a successful handover post the almost concurrent departures of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill was injured very early in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard display in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This was the second series sweep on home soil endured by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming the team's chances of reaching the final of this season also.
From number three in the WTC rankings before the series, India have been relegated to fifth place. Though nine more Tests are still to come, half of these are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even when facing the mighty Aussies. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's weakness in the longer format has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches at home lately is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, India were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Today, the team seem beatable in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to help their style backfired spectacularly, as opponents exploited them better, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that India is struggling at home because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the IPL, in which several international stars play, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is validity in each argument, it still does not explain why India's performances on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players point to a multi-faceted challenge, not just one or two factors.
Experts and participants have highlighted several failings post the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, poor choices, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the side.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - were found wanting in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not well enough to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis didn't spare not only the cricketers - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by distraught fans and vocal past stars. Under focus of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
