India's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - along with team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this season, under a different skipper, indicated a smooth transition after the near-simultaneous exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the home campaign boosted that belief, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill got injured early on in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par display in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members aspiring to long red-ball careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash in home conditions experienced by India in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a place in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail India's prospects of qualifying for the final of this edition also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Though nine more Tests are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's weakness in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. That said, the reason India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an exception.
Now, India seem easy pickings on home turf.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition exploited them better, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to perform better abroad.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with earlier.
Although there is validity in both analyses, it fails to account for the reason India's performances on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a few causes.
Experts and participants have pointed to several failings post the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, arrogance, 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 Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem targeted the entire setup - the selection panel and support staff were also questioned, driven by distraught fans and critical former players. At the centre of the criticism was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
