India's shocking 0-2 series 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 loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades 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 almost disappeared and the careers of several players - as well as head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The emerging side's strong showing in England this season, under a new captain, pointed to a seamless changeover post the almost concurrent retirements of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, till the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill suffered an injury early on in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing display in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second series sweep in home conditions endured by India in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa risks harming the team's chances of reaching the showpiece of this season too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have been relegated to number five. Although nine more Tests are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. However the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why India have fared so badly in Test matches at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an exception.
Currently, the team appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they curated to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling at home because home surfaces have been changed from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with before.
Although there is validity in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason the side's results at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just one or two factors.
Critics and players have highlighted multiple deficiencies after India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the side.
Members such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - came up short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Management Questions
The analysis didn't spare not only the cricketers - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. Under focus of the criticism was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
