India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm established in the last several months has largely dissipated and the futures of several players - as well as head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The emerging side's impressive performance in England this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a seamless changeover after the almost concurrent exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were a bit unlucky that captain Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard display in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and a few members aspiring to long red-ball careers were shown as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
It was the second clean sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage India's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle also.
From number three in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Although nine further games are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason India have performed so poorly in Test matches at home lately is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an exception.
Now, India seem beatable at home.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they curated to help their style went wrong completely, as the opposition exploited them better, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to perform better overseas.
Some point out that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has removed the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them before.
While there is validity in these views, it still does not explain why India's performances on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complicated issue, not only a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have pointed to multiple deficiencies post India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the team.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis also included just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also under fire, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
