The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, South Africa gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory gained during the last several months has all but vanished and the futures of multiple squad members - as well as team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Disappears
The young team's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a smooth transition following the almost concurrent retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home season enhanced that perception, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill was injured early on in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing display in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This was the second clean sweep on home soil endured by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a spot in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's chances of making the showpiece of this edition as well.
From number three in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Although nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a huge advantage - including against the powerful Australians. However the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an aberration.
Now, the team appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they curated to favor their game went wrong completely, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to do well in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players participate, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
Although there is validity in these views, it does not clarify the reason India's performances at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Most former players point to a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Experts and participants have pointed to several failings after India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the squad.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - came up short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included just the players - the selection panel and support staff were also questioned, driven by distraught fans and critical former players. At the centre of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
