India's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the futures of multiple squad members - along with team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this season, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover following the close together retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill got injured early on in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. However, that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par showing in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and a few members hoping for extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash at home experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage the team's chances of making the final of this cycle also.
From number three in the WTC rankings before the series, India have fallen to number five. Although nine more Tests are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - including against the powerful Australians. However the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. However, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an aberration.
Currently, the team seem vulnerable at home.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they developed to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with before.
Although there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify why India's performances at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complicated issue, not just a few causes.
Experts and participants have identified several failings after India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the showings of the team.
Members such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - came up short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not well enough to win matches.
Management Questions
The review also included the entire setup - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
