India's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm built over the past six months has almost disappeared and the prospects of several players - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a different skipper, suggested a seamless changeover post the almost concurrent exits of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the domestic season boosted that belief, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill got injured quickly in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard display in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and multiple individuals aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were shown as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second series sweep in home conditions endured by India in just a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a spot in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage the team's prospects of reaching the decider of this cycle also.
After being third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to fifth place. Although nine further games are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even against the powerful Australians. But the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's weakness in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. However, why the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil lately is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, India were seen as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an anomaly.
Now, India appear to be easy pickings at home.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they curated to favor their game went wrong completely, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to perform better overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars take part, has taken away the mystery and hardship home wickets would pose to them earlier.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players identify a complicated issue, not only a few causes.
Critics and players have identified several failings post the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the squad.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - fell short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Management Questions
The post-mortem targeted not only the cricketers - the selection panel and backroom team were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
