India's shocking 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm built over the last several months has all but vanished and the careers of a number of cricketers - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Disappears
The young team's strong showing in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a successful handover after the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
India were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill got injured very early in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the highly disappointing showing in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second clean sweep in home conditions endured by India in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a spot in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage the team's hopes of reaching the showpiece of this edition too.
After being third in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Although nine more Tests are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even when facing the powerful Australians. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, why the team have struggled so much in Tests at home lately is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were considered invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an anomaly.
Now, India appear to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they curated to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that India is floundering at home because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to succeed abroad.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has removed the mystery and hardship home wickets would pose to them in the past.
While there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason the side's results at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Experts and participants have highlighted multiple deficiencies following the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the squad.
Cricketers like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - came up short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted just the players - selectors and support staff were also questioned, driven by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
