India's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in India in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum established in the last several months has largely dissipated and the careers of several players - along with team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Disappears
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover post the near-simultaneous exits of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the home campaign boosted that belief, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the side of the well below standard display in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
It was the second clean sweep at home experienced by India in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming the team's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this cycle as well.
After being third in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have fallen to fifth place. Even though nine additional matches are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even against the powerful Australians. However the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's frailty in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered impregnable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Today, India look to be vulnerable on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they curated to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to succeed in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the IPL, in which many overseas players play, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would pose to them earlier.
While there is validity in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason the side's results on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have pointed to various flaws following India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over the longer format.
This was clear in the displays of the side.
Players like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - fell short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Management Questions
The post-mortem also included just the players - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, fuelled by distraught fans and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
