The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum built over the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of several players - including head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this season, under a different skipper, indicated a seamless changeover post the almost concurrent exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season strengthened that view, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill suffered an injury quickly in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard showing in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals hoping for lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second series sweep on home soil endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail India's hopes of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table before the series, the side have dropped to number five. Although nine additional matches are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the powerful Australians. But the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. However, why India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an aberration.
Today, the team appear to be beatable at home.
Versus New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they curated to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is floundering at home because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to succeed overseas.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would pose to them in the past.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players point to a multi-faceted challenge, not just a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have identified several failings after the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, overconfidence, frequent changes of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the side.
Members such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - fell short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but inadequately to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare not only the cricketers - the selection panel and support staff were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
