India's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the prospects of several players - including head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Disappears
The young team's impressive performance in England this season, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover following the close together retirements of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the domestic season boosted that belief, before the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill got injured very early in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and several players hoping for long red-ball careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second clean sweep at home experienced by India in just over a year. In 2024, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage India's hopes of making the final of this season too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to fifth place. Although nine additional matches are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a major plus - including against the powerful Australians. However the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. That said, why the team have performed so poorly in Test matches at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against England, was considered an aberration.
Today, India appear to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they curated to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to perform better overseas.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which several international stars play, has taken away the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would pose to them before.
Even though there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players point to a complicated issue, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to various flaws after India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.
This was clear in the performances of the side.
Members such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - came up short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The review targeted the entire setup - team selectors and backroom team were also under fire, spurred on by upset followers and critical former players. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
