India's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm built over the last several months has all but vanished and the futures of several players - along with head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover following the close together retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill was injured early on in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard showing in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This represented the second clean sweep on home soil endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 victory which practically cost India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage India's prospects of qualifying for the decider of this edition too.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, India have fallen to fifth place. Though nine further games are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even when facing the powerful Australians. But the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in the longer format has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against England, was considered an aberration.
Now, India seem beatable on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they curated to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as rivals used them more effectively, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling at home because home surfaces have been modified from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to do well in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the IPL, in which many overseas players play, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them before.
While there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain the reason India's performances at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complicated issue, not just a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted multiple deficiencies post the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, frequent changes of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the side.
Members like 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 position in the squad - fell short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem targeted the entire setup - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, driven by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
