The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, against all odds. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of several players - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The emerging side's impressive performance in England this summer, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition after the close together exits of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season strengthened that view, till the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill was injured quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the terribly sub-par performance in each match against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This represented the second series sweep at home suffered by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a place in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage the team's chances of making the showpiece of this edition also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, India have dropped to number five. Though nine more Tests are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's weakness in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Test matches at home lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that helped spin and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an exception.
Today, India appear to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they developed to help their style backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to succeed overseas.
Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars play, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past.
Although there is validity in each argument, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Most former players diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not only one or two factors.
Experts and participants have highlighted various flaws after India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, overconfidence, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the side.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem didn't spare just the players - selectors and backroom team were also criticized, fuelled by upset followers and vocal past stars. At the centre of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
