India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It was the Proteas' first series win in India in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum built over the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the futures of multiple squad members - as well as team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The emerging side's strong showing in England this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a smooth transition post the near-simultaneous retirements of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the domestic season strengthened that view, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against the opposition.
Several established players took a hit, and multiple individuals aspiring to long red-ball careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second clean sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage India's chances of making the final of this edition as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have dropped to fifth place. Though nine further games are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - including against the strong Australian side. But the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an aberration.
Now, India appear to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they developed to favor their game failed miserably, as rivals used them more effectively, beating the home team's players when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is failing at home because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to succeed abroad.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has removed the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them in the past.
While there is validity in both analyses, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players diagnose a complicated issue, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have identified multiple deficiencies following India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the side.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - came up short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review also included not only the cricketers - the selection panel and support staff were also questioned, driven by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
