India's shocking 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the futures of several players - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition post the almost concurrent departures of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the home season boosted that belief, until the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill was injured quickly in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the side of the highly disappointing performance in the two games against the opposition.
Several established players took a hit, and multiple individuals hoping for lengthy Test careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second series sweep in home conditions suffered by India in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage the team's prospects of qualifying for the decider of this season also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have dropped to number five. Although nine further games are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - including against the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, why India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an anomaly.
Today, India appear to be easy pickings at home.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they developed to help their style failed miserably, as rivals exploited them better, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is failing at home because local wickets have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well abroad.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars participate, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it fails to account for why the team's showings at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not only one or two factors.
Experts and participants have pointed to several failings after the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the squad.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - fell short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The review targeted just the players - team selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, driven by upset followers and critical former players. In the spotlight of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
