The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, against all odds. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory established in the past six months has largely dissipated and the futures of several players - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this season, under a new captain, pointed to a seamless changeover post the almost concurrent exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill got injured very early in the initial match and took no further part in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par performance in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals hoping for lengthy Test careers were shown as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Concerning History
It was the second clean sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition also.
After being third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Although nine more Tests are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even against the powerful Australians. But the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Now, the team appear to be beatable on home turf.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing at home because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to do well in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.
Even though there is validity in each argument, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players point to a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Critics and players have identified several failings post the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over the longer format.
This was evident in the performances of the side.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - came up short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Management Questions
The analysis didn't spare just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also criticized, spurred on by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
