The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory built over the last several months has all but vanished and the careers of several players - as well as head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a successful handover after the close together exits of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign strengthened that view, till the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill suffered an injury early on in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par performance in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and a few members hoping for lengthy Test careers were shown as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This was the second series sweep on home soil endured by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage India's hopes of making the showpiece of this season too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Although nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even against the mighty Aussies. However the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. However, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Today, India seem easy pickings on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as rivals exploited them better, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is floundering in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to perform better in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has taken away the surprise and difficulty home wickets would present to them in the past.
While there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it still does not explain the reason India's performances on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not only a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have pointed to multiple deficiencies after the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the team.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The review also included just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. Under focus of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
