India's surprising 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum established in the last several months has largely dissipated and the futures of several players - along with head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover post the almost concurrent exits of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season strengthened that view, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill was injured very early in the first Test and took no further part in the series. Yet that fails to account for the squad of the highly disappointing display in both Tests against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and a few members hoping for extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 victory which practically cost India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage India's hopes of making the showpiece of this season too.
After being third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Although nine more Tests are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - including against the powerful Australians. Yet the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why India have struggled so much in Test matches at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an aberration.
Now, India look to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they curated to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents exploited them better, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to perform better overseas.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars take part, has taken away the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would pose to them in the past.
While there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars identify a complicated issue, not limited to a few causes.
Critics and players have identified several failings post India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the side.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - fell short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
