India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum established in the last several months has largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in England this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a smooth transition after the near-simultaneous departures of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill was injured quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the well below standard showing in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members hoping for lengthy Test careers were shown as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second whitewash at home experienced by India in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage the team's chances of reaching the showpiece of this edition too.
From number three in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Although nine additional matches are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - including against the powerful Australians. Yet the failures against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an exception.
Today, India look to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they curated to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to succeed in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the IPL, in which many overseas players take part, has removed the surprise and difficulty home wickets would pose to them before.
While there is validity in these views, it still does not explain the reason India's performances on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars point to a multi-faceted challenge, not just one or two factors.
Critics and players have identified several failings after India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the side.
Members such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - fell short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem also included just the players - selectors and support staff were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and critical former players. Under focus of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
