India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has largely dissipated and the prospects of multiple squad members - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Disappears
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition post the almost concurrent exits of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign strengthened that view, till the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
India were a bit unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. But that fails to account for the squad of the terribly sub-par performance in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were shown as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second series sweep at home experienced by India in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage India's chances of making the final of this cycle too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have dropped to fifth place. Although nine further games are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even against the powerful Australians. However the failures against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's weakness in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil lately is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered invincible in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an anomaly.
Now, the team seem beatable in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they prepared to help their style backfired spectacularly, as the opposition exploited them better, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to perform better abroad.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would present to them in the past.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it does not clarify the reason India's performances at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.
Experts and participants have highlighted various flaws following the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the side.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem targeted not only the cricketers - the selection panel and backroom team were also criticized, driven by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
