The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory built over the previous half-year has all but vanished and the careers of multiple squad members - along with head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The emerging side's commendable display in England this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition post the almost concurrent exits of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, till the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the squad of the well below standard showing in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and several players hoping for long red-ball careers were exposed as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second clean sweep at home suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 win which effectively cost India a place in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming the team's chances of making the showpiece of this season too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to number five. Though nine more Tests are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even when facing the strong Australian side. But the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Tests at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Currently, India appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they curated to help their style backfired spectacularly, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the home team's players when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that India is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to do well in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars take part, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
While there is validity in each argument, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have identified various flaws post the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, frequent changes of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the showings of the team.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem didn't spare the entire setup - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
