The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the prospects of a number of cricketers - including team coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The emerging side's commendable display in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a successful handover following the near-simultaneous exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the home season boosted that belief, before the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill got injured early on in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard showing in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
This was the second series sweep at home suffered by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage the team's hopes of making the decider of this edition as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Though nine further games are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the powerful Australians. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason India have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an aberration.
Currently, the team seem vulnerable on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the home team's players when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to perform better abroad.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would present to them before.
While there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain the reason the side's results on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not only a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings after the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the showings of the team.
Members like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - fell short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Management Questions
The analysis also included the entire setup - selectors and support staff were also under fire, spurred on by upset followers and critical former players. Under focus of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
