The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum built over the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the careers of a number of cricketers - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover following the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the domestic season boosted that belief, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill suffered an injury early on in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. However, that fails to account for the squad of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep at home experienced by India in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage India's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to fifth place. Though nine further games are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even when facing the powerful Australians. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been badly exposed. That said, the reason the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil lately is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an exception.
Today, the team seem beatable on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they curated to favor their game went wrong completely, as the opposition used them more effectively, beating the home team's players when it counted the most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to do well overseas.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players play, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would pose to them in the past.
While there is validity in both analyses, it fails to account for the reason the side's results on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have identified multiple deficiencies after India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, arrogance, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.
This was evident in the showings of the side.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - came up short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Management Questions
The analysis also included not only the cricketers - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, driven by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
