India's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the just finished Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's 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 invincible streak.
The momentum built over the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of multiple squad members - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Disappears
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a successful handover following the close together departures of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season strengthened that view, until the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the team of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against the opposition.
Several established players were damaged, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second series sweep at home suffered by India in just a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage the team's chances of reaching the showpiece of this cycle also.
After being third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to number five. Though nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even against the powerful Australians. However the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's frailty in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. That said, why the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Currently, the team look to be vulnerable at home.
Against 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 went wrong completely, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the home team's players when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering at home because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain the reason the side's results on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to one or two factors.
Experts and participants have pointed to multiple deficiencies post India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, regular alterations of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the team.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review targeted just the players - team selectors and support staff were also questioned, driven by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
