The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in India in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum gained during the last several months has largely dissipated and the careers of several players - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Disappears
The young team's strong showing in England this summer, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover following the almost concurrent retirements of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing showing in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This represented the second clean sweep at home suffered by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a spot in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming the team's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to number five. Even though nine more Tests are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even when facing the strong Australian side. Yet the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason India have performed so poorly in Tests at home recently is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were considered impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an anomaly.
Currently, India appear to be beatable at home.
Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they curated to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals exploited them better, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is failing at home because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to do well overseas.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has reduced the surprise and difficulty home wickets would challenge them with before.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it still does not explain why India's performances at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Critics and players have pointed to several failings after India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the showings of the squad.
Players such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - fell short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not well enough to secure victories.
Management Questions
The review didn't spare not only the cricketers - team selectors and support staff were also criticized, spurred on by upset followers and vocal past stars. Under focus of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
