India's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm established in the last several months has largely dissipated and the prospects of several players - including head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this season, under a new captain, pointed to a seamless changeover following the almost concurrent exits of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill got injured very early in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. Yet that fails to account for the squad of the well below standard performance in each match against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second series sweep in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's chances of reaching the final of this edition as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have dropped to number five. Though nine additional matches are still to come, half of these are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why India have struggled so much in Test matches at home recently is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Today, India appear to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they developed to help their style failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars take part, has reduced the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would present to them earlier.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it fails to account for why India's performances at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.
Critics and players have pointed to several failings post the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, frequent changes of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the showings of the side.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - fell short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis also included not only the cricketers - the selection panel and backroom team were also criticized, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
