The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, against all odds. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum built over the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the careers of multiple squad members - including head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a smooth transition after the almost concurrent exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the home season boosted that belief, before the South Africans turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill got injured very early in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail the team's hopes of reaching the final of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to number five. Even though nine further games are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even against the mighty Aussies. But the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's weakness in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home lately is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an exception.
Now, India appear to be easy pickings at home.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to help their style backfired spectacularly, as the opposition exploited them better, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is floundering at home because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to do well in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players play, has removed the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would present to them in the past.
While there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain why the side's results on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars point to a complicated issue, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have highlighted multiple deficiencies after the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over the longer format.
This was evident in the performances of the team.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - fell short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to win matches.
Management Questions
The review targeted just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, fuelled by disappointed supporters and critical former players. In the spotlight of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
