India's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's first series win in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory built over the previous half-year has all but vanished and the careers of a number of cricketers - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The young team's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition after the almost concurrent departures of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season boosted that belief, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill suffered an injury quickly in the initial match and took no further part in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and several players hoping for extended tenures in Tests were shown as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second series sweep at home experienced by India in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 win which essentially denied India a spot in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail India's prospects of reaching the decider of this edition too.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to fifth place. Although nine additional matches are still to come, half of these are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even against the powerful Australians. But the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been badly exposed. However, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an exception.
Currently, the team appear to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents exploited them better, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to do well overseas.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has removed the surprise and difficulty home wickets would challenge them with before.
While there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason the side's results on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars point to a complicated issue, not only a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have pointed to various flaws following the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the team.
Players like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but inadequately to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The review also included the entire setup - selectors and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
