The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory established in the past six months has largely dissipated and the careers of a number of cricketers - including head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The young team's commendable display in the UK this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a successful handover post the almost concurrent exits of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard showing in each match against South Africa.
Several established players were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This represented the second clean sweep at home suffered by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage the team's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this cycle as well.
After being third in the WTC table before the series, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Though nine further games are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. However, why India have fared so badly in Tests at home in recent times is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates 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 England, was seen as an aberration.
Now, the team look to be vulnerable on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they developed to favor their game went wrong completely, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing at home because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to fast tracks to train the squad to do well in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain why the side's results at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars point to a complicated issue, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings following India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the team.
Cricketers such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Management Questions
The review targeted just the players - selectors and support staff were also criticized, driven by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
