India's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory built over the past six months has almost disappeared and the futures of a number of cricketers - as well as head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this season, under a different skipper, indicated a successful handover after the close together retirements of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the home season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were a bit unlucky that captain Gill suffered an injury quickly in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard showing in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and multiple individuals hoping for long red-ball careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second clean sweep in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage the team's prospects of making the showpiece of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have fallen to fifth place. Even though nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even against the strong Australian side. Yet the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. However, why the team have struggled so much in Tests on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Now, India appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Against New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they developed to help their style went wrong completely, as the opposition exploited them better, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering at home because home surfaces have been modified from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to do well overseas.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would pose to them before.
Although there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify the reason India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars identify a complicated issue, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to various flaws after India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the team.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to claim wins.
Management Questions
The post-mortem didn't spare not only the cricketers - team selectors and backroom team were also under fire, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
