India's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the careers of multiple squad members - including head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The young team's commendable display in England this season, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover following the almost concurrent retirements of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, until the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill was injured early on in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing showing in both Tests against the opposition.
Several established players took a hit, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second clean sweep in home conditions suffered by India in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a place in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail India's hopes of making the final of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Although nine more Tests are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even against the powerful Australians. Yet the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's weakness in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were seen as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an aberration.
Now, India appear to be beatable at home.
Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they developed to help their style went wrong completely, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the Indian batters 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 pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to perform better overseas.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would pose to them earlier.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it does not clarify why the side's results on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.
Critics and players have identified several failings following the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was obvious in the displays of the team.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - fell short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to claim wins.
Management Questions
The analysis also included just the players - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by upset followers and vocal past stars. At the centre of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
