India's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm established in the last several months has largely dissipated and the prospects of several players - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Disappears
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a smooth transition after the near-simultaneous departures of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season boosted that belief, before the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill got injured early on in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. However, that neither explains nor absolves the team of the well below standard showing in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Concerning History
This was the second whitewash in home conditions experienced by India in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming India's prospects of making the final of this edition too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table before the series, India have fallen to number five. Though nine additional matches are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a huge advantage - including against the strong Australian side. However the failures against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Currently, India appear to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they developed to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition exploited them better, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to perform better abroad.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which several international stars participate, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would pose to them in the past.
While there is validity in these views, it fails to account for why the side's results at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings after the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the side.
Members such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Management Questions
The analysis also included the entire setup - selectors and support staff were also under fire, spurred on by distraught fans and critical former players. Under focus of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
