The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the futures of several players - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The emerging side's impressive performance in England this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a seamless changeover following the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the home campaign strengthened that view, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill was injured quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing display in the two games against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and a few members aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This represented the second series sweep in home conditions suffered by India in just a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail India's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle as well.
After being third in the WTC rankings before the series, India have fallen to number five. Even though nine further games are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even against the mighty Aussies. However the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, India were considered impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that helped spin and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Today, the team appear to be easy pickings at home.
Facing the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they developed to favor their game went wrong completely, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to fast tracks to train the squad to do well abroad.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars play, has removed the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would pose to them before.
While there is validity in these views, it still does not explain why the side's results at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings post the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the squad.
Members such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - came up short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not well enough to secure victories.
Management Questions
The review also included not only the cricketers - selectors and support staff were also criticized, driven by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
