India's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' first series win in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the futures of a number of cricketers - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Disappears
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a successful handover after the close together exits of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill was injured very early in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing display in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second clean sweep at home suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail India's chances of qualifying for the decider of this cycle as well.
From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have been relegated to fifth place. Though nine more Tests are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even against the strong Australian side. However the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, India were seen as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an aberration.
Now, India appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling at home because local wickets have been changed from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to perform better abroad.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players take part, has taken away the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it does not clarify why the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have highlighted various flaws following India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the squad.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - fell short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not well enough to secure victories.
Management Questions
The analysis targeted not only the cricketers - the selection panel and coaching staff were also criticized, fuelled by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
