🔗 Share this article

The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.

Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's first series win in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.

The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has largely dissipated and the careers of a number of cricketers - as well as head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.

Early Optimism Fades Quickly

The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a smooth transition after the close together exits of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.

The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. But that fails to account for the team of the well below standard display in the two games against South Africa.

Some big reputations were damaged, and multiple individuals aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.

Concerning History

It was the second whitewash at home suffered by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 win which practically cost India a spot in the WTC final.

The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail the team's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this cycle as well.

Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine more Tests are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even when facing the strong Australian side. However the failures against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.

Reasons for the Slump

The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason India have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.

From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an anomaly.

Now, the team look to be easy pickings on home turf.

Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as rivals exploited them better, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.

What Happened?

A few experts argue that India is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to succeed overseas.

Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players participate, has taken away the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would present to them before.

Although there is validity in both analyses, it does not clarify why the team's showings at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.

Various Shortcomings

Most former players identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a couple of reasons.

Critics and players have identified several failings following the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.

This was evident in the displays of the side.

Members like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - came up short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.

Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but inadequately to secure victories.

Leadership Under Fire

The post-mortem didn't spare just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also under fire, spurred on by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.

In his post-series press