India's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the futures of several players - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The young team's strong showing in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover post the almost concurrent departures of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the domestic season strengthened that view, before the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill suffered an injury quickly in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the squad of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second whitewash on home soil suffered by India in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 victory which practically cost India a berth in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage India's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this cycle also.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Though nine additional matches are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even when facing the mighty Aussies. However the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's frailty in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil lately is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that helped spin and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Now, India appear to be vulnerable at home.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they curated to favor their game went wrong completely, as rivals used them more effectively, beating the home team's players when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to succeed in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the IPL, in which several international stars play, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would pose to them in the past.
While there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have pointed to multiple deficiencies after India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the team.
Members like 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 position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.
Management Questions
The analysis also included not only the cricketers - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
