The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, against all odds. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a seamless changeover after the close together retirements of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the domestic season strengthened that view, till the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill got injured early on in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second whitewash on home soil suffered by India in just a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a spot in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage India's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this season too.
After being third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Though nine additional matches are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why the team have fared so badly in Tests at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an anomaly.
Today, India look to be easy pickings at home.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they prepared to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as rivals exploited them better, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to succeed abroad.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which several international stars participate, has taken away the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would pose to them earlier.
While there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason the side's results on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars point to a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings following India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the showings of the squad.
Players like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.
Management Questions
The analysis also included just the players - the selection panel and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
