India's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum gained during the last several months has all but vanished and the careers of a number of cricketers - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Disappears
The emerging side's strong showing in England this season, under a new captain, pointed to a smooth transition after the close together exits of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the domestic season strengthened that view, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing performance in both Tests against the opposition.
Several established players took a hit, and a few members aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were shown as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This represented the second clean sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa risks harming India's chances of qualifying for the decider of this season also.
After being third in the Test championship standings before the series, India have been relegated to number five. Though nine further games are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - including against the strong Australian side. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Currently, India appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they curated to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as rivals exploited them better, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to succeed overseas.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain why the team's showings on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings post India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the side.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not well enough to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem also included the entire setup - selectors and support staff were also criticized, fuelled by distraught fans and critical former players. Under focus of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
