India's surprising 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory established in the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the prospects of multiple squad members - as well as team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Disappears
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the domestic season strengthened that view, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
India were a bit unlucky that captain Gill suffered an injury early on in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing showing in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and a few members hoping for lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second clean sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a place in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage the team's chances of reaching the final of this cycle too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Though nine more Tests are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a major plus - including against the mighty Aussies. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been badly exposed. That said, why India have fared so badly in Tests at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was considered an aberration.
Currently, the team seem beatable at home.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they curated to favor their game went wrong completely, as opponents exploited them better, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that India is struggling at home because local wickets have been changed from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to succeed overseas.
Some point out that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would present to them earlier.
Even though there is validity in both analyses, it does not clarify why the side's results at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complicated issue, not limited to one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have identified multiple deficiencies post the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the side.
Members like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - came up short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem didn't spare just the players - team selectors and support staff were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
