The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 defeat 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, against all odds. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum established in the past six months has all but vanished and the futures of multiple squad members - along with team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a smooth transition after the near-simultaneous exits of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the home campaign boosted that belief, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill was injured quickly in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the side of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep at home endured by India in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa risks harming India's hopes of reaching the final of this edition as well.
From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have fallen to fifth place. Even though nine further games are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even when facing the mighty Aussies. Yet the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. However, the reason India have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil lately is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an aberration.
Currently, the team appear to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they prepared to favor their game went wrong completely, as the opposition used them more effectively, surpassing the home team's players when it counted the most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is floundering at home because local wickets have been changed from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to do well in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars participate, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it does not clarify why India's performances at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars identify a complicated issue, not only one or two factors.
Experts and participants have identified several failings post India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the squad.
Players such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - came up short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Management Questions
The review didn't spare just the players - team selectors and support staff were also under fire, spurred on by upset followers and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
