India's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, the visiting team handed India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It was South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the careers of several players - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Disappears
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover following the near-simultaneous departures of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill got injured early on in the first Test and took no further part in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing display in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and several players aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were shown as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second clean sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage India's prospects of qualifying for the decider of this cycle also.
After being third in the WTC table before the series, the side have fallen to number five. Even though nine more Tests are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even when facing the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. However, why the team have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Today, India appear to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they developed to help their style backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would present to them before.
While there is validity in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Most former players identify a complicated issue, not just one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted various flaws after India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the side.
Cricketers such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Management Questions
The analysis targeted just the players - team selectors and support staff were also criticized, driven by upset followers and critical former players. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
