India's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent 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 momentum built over the last several months has largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The young team's impressive performance in England this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a smooth transition following the close together departures of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the terribly sub-par showing in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players were damaged, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second clean sweep on home soil endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage India's chances of making the decider of this cycle also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have fallen to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even when facing the strong Australian side. But the failures against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's weakness in Test cricket has been badly exposed. However, why the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil lately is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was considered an aberration.
Today, India appear to be vulnerable at home.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they developed to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to succeed overseas.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars play, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with before.
Although there is validity in both analyses, it fails to account for the reason India's performances at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complicated issue, not only one or two factors.
Critics and players have identified several failings post the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the squad.
Cricketers like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem targeted just the players - team selectors and support staff were also under fire, driven by upset followers and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
