India's surprising 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum gained during the last several months has largely dissipated and the futures of a number of cricketers - as well as team coach the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Disappears
The emerging side's impressive performance in England this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover post the close together exits of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were a bit unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the side of the terribly sub-par display in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and multiple individuals hoping for extended tenures in Tests were shown as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Concerning History
It was the second clean sweep at home suffered by India in just over a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a berth in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's prospects of making the showpiece of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have fallen to number five. Even though nine more Tests are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the strong Australian side. However the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in the longer format has been badly exposed. That said, why the team have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil lately is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an exception.
Now, the team appear to be vulnerable at home.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they curated to favor their game went wrong completely, as the opposition exploited them better, outplaying the home team's players when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling at home because local wickets have been changed from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to do well in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is validity in these views, it does not clarify the reason the side's results at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complicated issue, not only a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to multiple deficiencies post India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the team.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted not only the cricketers - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by upset followers and critical former players. Under focus of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
