India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory built over the last several months has largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The young team's strong showing in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover after the almost concurrent retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season boosted that belief, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill suffered an injury early on in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the team of the well below standard showing in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and a few members hoping for lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second series sweep in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage India's prospects of making the showpiece of this cycle also.
From number three in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Although nine more Tests are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even when facing the powerful Australians. But the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, why the team have performed so poorly in Tests at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Currently, India appear to be easy pickings at home.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they developed to favor their game went wrong completely, as the opposition used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing at home because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to succeed in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would pose to them in the past.
While there is validity in each argument, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players identify a complicated issue, not limited to one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings post India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the team.
Players like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Management Questions
The review also included not only the cricketers - team selectors and support staff were also questioned, driven by distraught fans and vocal past stars. At the centre of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
