The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this season, under a new captain, pointed to a successful handover after the almost concurrent retirements of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the home campaign strengthened that view, before the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the side of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second series sweep at home endured by India in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage the team's hopes of making the final of this season too.
After being third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to number five. Though nine further games are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - including against the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Currently, the team look to be vulnerable at home.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, beating the home team's players when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that India is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to perform better abroad.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has removed the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would present to them before.
Even though there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain why India's performances on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Most former players diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings after the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the team.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem targeted just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also criticized, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
