The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, South Africa handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's first series win in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory established in the last several months has almost disappeared and the careers of several players - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The emerging side's strong showing in England this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a seamless changeover following the almost concurrent retirements of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the home season boosted that belief, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. But that fails to account for the team of the highly disappointing showing in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Concerning History
It was the second clean sweep at home suffered by India in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail India's prospects of reaching the final of this season too.
After being third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to fifth place. Although nine further games are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in the longer format has been badly exposed. However, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was considered an aberration.
Today, the team seem beatable on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they prepared to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars play, has removed the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would pose to them in the past.
While there is validity in these views, it does not clarify why the side's results on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have pointed to several failings after India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.
This was obvious in the performances of the squad.
Cricketers like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - fell short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem also included the entire setup - the selection panel and coaching staff were also criticized, spurred on by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
