The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum built over the previous half-year has all but vanished and the prospects of several players - along with team coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The young team's commendable display in England this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a smooth transition following the close together exits of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the initial match and took no further part in the series. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the team of the highly disappointing display in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members aspiring to lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
It was the second series sweep in home conditions endured by India in just over a year. In 2024, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming India's chances of reaching the showpiece of this cycle also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have fallen to number five. Although nine further games are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a significant benefit - including against the powerful Australians. But the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches at home lately is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Currently, India seem easy pickings in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they prepared to help their style failed miserably, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the home team's players when it mattered most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to do well overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players participate, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would challenge them with earlier.
Although there is validity in these views, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a multi-faceted challenge, not just a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings after the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the side.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The review also included just the players - selectors and support staff were also criticized, spurred on by distraught fans and vocal past stars. At the centre of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
