India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, the visiting team gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum established in the past six months has largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - including head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this season, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition following the almost concurrent exits of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard showing in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and several players aspiring to long red-ball careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second series sweep on home soil suffered by India in just a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 win which effectively cost India a spot in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail India's hopes of reaching the showpiece of this season also.
After being third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to number five. Even though nine additional matches are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even when facing the strong Australian side. 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 Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Now, the team appear to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to help their style backfired spectacularly, as rivals exploited them better, surpassing the home team's players when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that India is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to do well in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has removed the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with in the past.
Even though there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify why the side's results at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars point to a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have pointed to multiple deficiencies following the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over the longer format.
This was evident in the displays of the side.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Management Questions
The post-mortem also included not only the cricketers - selectors and backroom team were also under fire, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
