🔗 Share this article

India's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.

Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.

The winning rhythm built over the last several months has all but vanished and the prospects of a number of cricketers - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.

Initial Hope Vanishes

The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition after the almost concurrent exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the domestic season boosted that belief, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.

The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill got injured quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the well below standard performance in the two games against the opposition.

Some big reputations were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the format.

A Troubling Pattern

This represented the second clean sweep at home endured by the Indian team in just a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The fresh failure to South Africa risks harming India's prospects of qualifying for the final of this season too.

After being third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Though nine further games are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.

Roots of the Decline

The national team's weakness in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. However, why India have fared so badly in Tests at home in recent times is still bewildering.

In the 21st century, India were regarded as invincible in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an exception.

Now, the team appear to be easy pickings in their own backyard.

Against the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they curated to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents exploited them better, beating the home team's players when it mattered most.

What's Gone Wrong?

Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.

Others highlight that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has taken away the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.

While there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify the reason India's performances at home have seen such a sharp fall.

Various Shortcomings

The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complicated issue, not only a few causes.

Critics and players have highlighted several failings after India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.

This was clear in the displays of the side.

Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.

Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to win matches.

Leadership Under Fire

The post-mortem targeted the entire setup - selectors and backroom team were also under fire, driven by disappointed supporters and critical former players. Under focus of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.

During his post-series press