India's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory established in the previous half-year has all but vanished and the prospects of several players - along with team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a seamless changeover following the close together exits of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign boosted that belief, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the terribly sub-par display in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and multiple individuals hoping for extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Concerning History
This was the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail the team's chances of qualifying for the final of this season also.
From number three in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to number five. Although nine further games are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even when facing the strong Australian side. Yet the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, why India have struggled so much in Test matches at home recently is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that helped spin and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an aberration.
Currently, India seem vulnerable on home turf.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as rivals exploited them better, surpassing the home team's players when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to do well overseas.
A few mention that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has taken away the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would present to them before.
While there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain the reason the side's results at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have identified multiple deficiencies post India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, regular alterations of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the squad.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - were found wanting in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem targeted just the players - selectors and support staff were also criticized, driven by disappointed supporters and critical former players. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
