India's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, the visiting team handed India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm established in the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of multiple squad members - along with head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The emerging side's commendable display in England this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the home season enhanced that perception, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard display in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second series sweep in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage the team's hopes of making the decider of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have fallen to number five. Though nine additional matches are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the strong Australian side. But the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been badly exposed. However, why India have fared so badly in Test matches at home recently is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Currently, the team look to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they curated to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has taken away the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would challenge them with in the past.
Even though there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason the side's results at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not only a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have pointed to several failings post the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the performances of the side.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their carelessness, while 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 nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted the entire setup - the selection panel and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
