India's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' first series win in India in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has all but vanished and the futures of multiple squad members - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The young team's commendable display in England this season, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover after the almost concurrent retirements of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign strengthened that view, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill suffered an injury early on in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. However, that fails to account for the team of the well below standard display in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and several players eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This represented the second whitewash on home soil suffered by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 win which effectively cost India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail India's chances of reaching the showpiece of this season also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to number five. Although nine additional matches are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even when facing the powerful Australians. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Test matches at home recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an exception.
Currently, the team seem vulnerable at home.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition exploited them better, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that India is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to perform better abroad.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
Even though there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify the reason the side's results at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Most former players point to a complicated issue, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings after the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the performances of the side.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - were found wanting in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but inadequately to win matches.
Management Questions
The review also included the entire setup - team selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, spurred on by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. Under focus of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
