India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's first series win in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the futures of multiple squad members - including head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this season, under a new captain, pointed to a seamless changeover following the almost concurrent exits of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the home season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill suffered an injury early on in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. However, that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par display in each match against the opposition.
Several established players took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second whitewash in home conditions suffered by India in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa risks harming India's chances of making the showpiece of this season also.
After being third in the Test championship standings before the series, India have fallen to fifth place. Though nine more Tests are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even when facing the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been clearly revealed. However, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil lately is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an aberration.
Today, the team seem vulnerable in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals exploited them better, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering at home because local wickets have been modified from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to succeed overseas.
A few mention that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has reduced the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would pose to them in the past.
While there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it still does not explain the reason India's performances at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Most former players diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted multiple deficiencies after the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over the longer format.
This was evident in the performances of the squad.
Players like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - came up short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis also included the entire setup - selectors and backroom team were also under fire, fuelled by distraught fans and vocal past stars. Under focus of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
