India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum established in the last several months has almost disappeared and the careers of a number of cricketers - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover after the almost concurrent departures of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign boosted that belief, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill was injured early on in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. But that fails to account for the squad of the highly disappointing showing in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and multiple individuals hoping for lengthy Test careers were exposed as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
This was the second clean sweep on home soil experienced by India in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 win which effectively cost India a spot in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage India's chances of making the final of this edition as well.
From number three in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine additional matches are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even against the strong Australian side. However the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason India have struggled so much in Tests at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Currently, India seem beatable at home.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they curated to help their style failed miserably, as rivals used them more effectively, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has reduced the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would pose to them in the past.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Most former players diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to multiple deficiencies post the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the team.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - came up short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to win matches.
Management Questions
The review didn't spare not only the cricketers - team selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, driven by upset followers and critical former players. In the spotlight of the criticism was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
