The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum built over the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the prospects of multiple squad members - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a smooth transition post the near-simultaneous departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the home campaign strengthened that view, before the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill got injured quickly in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. But that fails to account for the team of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second whitewash in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail the team's prospects of making the showpiece of this edition as well.
After being third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have dropped to number five. Although nine more Tests are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. But the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, why the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil lately is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Today, the team seem vulnerable in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they curated to favor their game went wrong completely, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to do well in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has taken away the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with before.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it does not clarify why the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted various flaws after India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the squad.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
