India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the just finished Test series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, South Africa handed India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum built over the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the prospects of several players - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a new captain, suggested a successful handover post the almost concurrent retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season boosted that belief, until the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill got injured very early in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the side of the well below standard performance in each match against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and a few members hoping for long red-ball careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep in home conditions endured by India in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 victory which practically cost India a berth in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage the team's prospects of making the decider of this edition as well.
After being third in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the powerful Australians. But the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why the team have performed so poorly in Tests at home in recent times is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that helped spin and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Now, India seem easy pickings in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they curated to favor their game failed miserably, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is floundering at home because local wickets have been altered from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the IPL, in which several international stars participate, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with in the past.
Even though there is validity in these views, it still does not explain why the team's showings at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complicated issue, not just a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings post the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the side.
Cricketers like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - fell short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis targeted the entire setup - team selectors and support staff were also questioned, spurred on by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
