India's surprising 0-2 defeat to South Africa 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, defying expectations. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the careers of multiple squad members - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The young team's strong showing in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a successful handover following the almost concurrent exits of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the domestic season strengthened that view, till the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill got injured very early in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard display in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and several players eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This was the second series sweep at home suffered by India in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 win which essentially denied India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa risks harming India's chances of qualifying for the final of this edition as well.
From number three in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, India have dropped to number five. Even though nine additional matches are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. Yet the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Today, the team look to be beatable at home.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to favor their game went wrong completely, as rivals used them more effectively, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that India is floundering in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to do well in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players participate, has taken away the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would pose to them in the past.
While there is validity in these views, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.
Experts and participants have identified multiple deficiencies after the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the performances of the squad.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem also included just the players - team selectors and support staff were also criticized, spurred on by distraught fans and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
