India's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It was the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm built over the last several months has largely dissipated and the careers of several players - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a different skipper, indicated a smooth transition following the almost concurrent retirements of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill was injured quickly in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the terribly sub-par performance in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and several players aspiring to long red-ball careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second whitewash at home endured by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 win which essentially denied India a spot in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail the team's prospects of qualifying for the decider of this cycle too.
After being third in the WTC table before the series, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Though nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a major plus - including against the mighty Aussies. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why India have performed so poorly in Tests at home lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Now, the team appear to be easy pickings at home.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they curated to favor their game failed miserably, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that India is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players participate, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would pose to them earlier.
Although there is validity in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players identify a complicated issue, not only a few causes.
Experts and participants have identified several failings post the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, overconfidence, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the squad.
Members like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - fell short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not well enough to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem also included not only the cricketers - the selection panel and coaching staff were also criticized, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
