India's shocking 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, against all odds. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory established in the past six months has all but vanished and the careers of several players - along with team coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The young team's strong showing in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition post the near-simultaneous departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Gill was injured early on in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the terribly sub-par performance in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and several players hoping for long red-ball careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash in home conditions endured by India in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a place in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's hopes of making the showpiece of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table before the series, India have dropped to number five. Though nine more Tests are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even when facing the strong Australian side. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been badly exposed. However, why India have fared so badly in Tests at home recently is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were considered impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Currently, the team seem easy pickings at home.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as rivals used them more effectively, beating the home team's players 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 altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to perform better abroad.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has reduced the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would pose to them before.
Even though there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a few causes.
Critics and players have highlighted various flaws following the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the squad.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - fell short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem didn't spare the entire setup - selectors and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
