The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum established in the past six months has largely dissipated and the prospects of multiple squad members - as well as head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The young team's commendable display in the UK this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a successful handover after the near-simultaneous departures of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing performance in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were shown as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second series sweep at home suffered by India in just over a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming the team's chances of making the showpiece of this edition as well.
From number three in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have been relegated to fifth place. Even though nine further games are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even against the mighty Aussies. However the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil lately is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an anomaly.
Now, India appear to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they curated to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is struggling at home because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to do well overseas.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players play, has removed the mystery and hardship home wickets would pose to them before.
Even though there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason India's performances at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars point to a complicated issue, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have pointed to various flaws after the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the displays of the squad.
Players like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - fell short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included not only the cricketers - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by disappointed supporters and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
