India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team gave India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum established in the past six months has all but vanished and the futures of a number of cricketers - along with head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The young team's commendable display in England this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a successful handover post the close together departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, before the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill suffered an injury very early in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the well below standard performance in each match against South Africa.
Several established players were damaged, and several players hoping for lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage India's chances of reaching the decider of this season as well.
After being third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to fifth place. Although nine additional matches are still to come, half of these are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even against the strong Australian side. But the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil recently is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Currently, the team seem vulnerable at home.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they prepared to help their style failed miserably, as rivals used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to perform better overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars play, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with earlier.
Although there is validity in each argument, it still does not explain why India's performances on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players point to a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Experts and participants have identified several failings following India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was obvious in the displays of the side.
Players such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but inadequately to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis also included the entire setup - team selectors and support staff were also under fire, driven by distraught fans and vocal past stars. Under focus of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
