The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of several players - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover post the near-simultaneous departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were a bit unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill got injured early on in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing performance in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
It was the second clean sweep at home experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage India's prospects of reaching the showpiece of this edition as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have fallen to fifth place. Although nine further games are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - including against the mighty Aussies. But the failures against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. However, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were considered invincible in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Currently, the team seem beatable in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they curated to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as rivals exploited them better, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to succeed in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with before.
While there is validity in these views, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complicated issue, not only one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to various flaws post the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the team.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Management Questions
The analysis also included the entire setup - team selectors and support staff were also under fire, driven by distraught fans and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
