India's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, South Africa gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It was South Africa's first series win in India in two and a half decades and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the prospects of multiple squad members - as well as team coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The young team's commendable display in England this summer, under a new captain, suggested a successful handover following the close together exits of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the home campaign strengthened that view, till the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Gill suffered an injury early on in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. But that fails to account for the squad of the highly disappointing performance in the two games against the opposition.
Several established players were damaged, and several players hoping for extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second series sweep at home suffered by India in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage India's chances of reaching the final of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, India have dropped to number five. Even though nine additional matches 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 powerful Australians. But the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, why India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Now, the team look to be beatable at home.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they developed to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that India is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to do well in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the IPL, in which many overseas players participate, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with before.
Even though there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify the reason India's performances at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to various flaws following the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the side.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - came up short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem targeted just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
