The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and India's another home failure in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum gained during the last several months has all but vanished and the prospects of several players - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The young team's strong showing in England this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a successful handover post the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the home season strengthened that view, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill suffered an injury early on in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing performance in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second clean sweep on home soil endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming India's chances of reaching the final of this season also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to number five. Though nine additional matches are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, why India have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an exception.
Currently, the team look to be vulnerable at home.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they curated to favor their game went wrong completely, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling at home because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty home wickets would challenge them with before.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it fails to account for why India's performances at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings following the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the side.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - came up short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Management Questions
The analysis also included just the players - team selectors and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the examination was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
