India's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum established in the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of multiple squad members - as well as head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Disappears
The emerging side's commendable display in England this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous departures of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the home season boosted that belief, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill got injured very early in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard performance in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This represented the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage India's chances of qualifying for the final of this edition as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to number five. Though nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. But the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. However, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches at home lately is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an aberration.
Now, India seem vulnerable on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they curated to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as the opposition exploited them better, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that India is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to perform better abroad.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players take part, has taken away the surprise and difficulty home wickets would pose to them in the past.
While there is validity in each argument, it does not clarify the reason the side's results on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not only one or two factors.
Experts and participants have pointed to several failings after the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the team.
Players such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem didn't spare the entire setup - team selectors and backroom team were also criticized, fuelled by distraught fans and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
