The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's first series win in India in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a smooth transition after the near-simultaneous departures of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the home season enhanced that perception, until the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill suffered an injury quickly in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the terribly sub-par display in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This was the second whitewash at home experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which effectively cost India a spot in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail the team's chances of making the final of this season as well.
From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Even though nine further games are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even against the powerful Australians. Yet the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been badly exposed. However, why the team have struggled so much in Tests at home in recent times is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an aberration.
Now, the team seem beatable on home turf.
Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they curated to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to perform better abroad.
Some point out that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would pose to them earlier.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it does not clarify why the team's showings at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complicated issue, not just a few causes.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings following the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was obvious in the displays of the squad.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - came up short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.
Management Questions
The review didn't spare the entire setup - the selection panel and support staff were also under fire, driven by distraught fans and critical former players. At the centre of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
