India's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, the visiting team gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph 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 invincible streak.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the prospects of multiple squad members - as well as head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a seamless changeover after the almost concurrent departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill got injured early on in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the side of the well below standard showing in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and multiple individuals hoping for lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This represented the second clean sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a spot in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail the team's hopes of reaching the decider of this season as well.
From number three in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Though nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. However, why the team have struggled so much in Test matches at home recently is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an exception.
Today, the team appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they curated to help their style failed miserably, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing at home because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to do well overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them earlier.
Even though there is validity in these views, it still does not explain why the side's results on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a multi-faceted challenge, not only a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted various flaws following India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was obvious in the performances of the team.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - came up short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough 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 disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
