The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team gave India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's 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 past six months has all but vanished and the careers of multiple squad members - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The emerging side's strong showing in England this summer, under a new captain, suggested a seamless changeover following the almost concurrent retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill got injured very early in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par display in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals hoping for lengthy Test careers were revealed to be still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep on home soil suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a place in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage the team's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition too.
From number three in the WTC rankings before the series, India have fallen to fifth place. Though nine further games are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even against the strong Australian side. However the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's weakness in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, why the team have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil recently is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Now, India seem vulnerable on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as the opposition 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 quick wickets to get cricketers ready to succeed abroad.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which several international stars play, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would pose to them earlier.
Although there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify why the side's results at home have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Most former players identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings after India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the squad.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - came up short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.
Management Questions
The review didn't spare not only the cricketers - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
