India's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the futures of several players - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this season, under a new captain, suggested a seamless changeover after the close together departures of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the domestic season strengthened that view, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
India were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the highly disappointing performance in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and several players aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second clean sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a spot in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming India's chances of making the final of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have fallen to number five. Though nine further games are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. Yet the failures against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, why India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Today, the team look to be vulnerable at home.
Facing New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they prepared to favor their game went wrong completely, as rivals used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has taken away the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with earlier.
While there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Most former players point to a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings post the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the performances of the squad.
Players such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - fell short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem also included not only the cricketers - the selection panel and support staff were also under fire, spurred on by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
