India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in India in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has largely dissipated and the futures of multiple squad members - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Disappears
The young team's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a successful handover after the almost concurrent exits of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
India were a bit unlucky that captain Gill was injured quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing performance in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing long red-ball careers were shown as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second clean sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming the team's hopes of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Although nine additional matches are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Usually, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even when facing the powerful Australians. But the failures against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. However, why the team have performed so poorly in Test matches at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Currently, India appear to be beatable at home.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they developed to help their style failed miserably, as rivals exploited them better, outplaying the home team's players when it counted the most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to perform better overseas.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.
While there is validity in each argument, it does not clarify why the side's results at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings post India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the side.
Members like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - were found wanting in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem targeted the entire setup - the selection panel and backroom team were also criticized, spurred on by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. Under focus of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
