🔗 Share this article

The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.

Earlier this week, South Africa handed India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.

The momentum established in the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the prospects of multiple squad members - as well as head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.

A Promising Start Fades Quickly

The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a successful handover post the almost concurrent exits of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the home season enhanced that perception, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a crushing loss.

India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the initial match and took no further part in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par performance in the two games against the opposition.

Several established players suffered, and several players hoping for long red-ball careers were shown as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the longer format.

Concerning History

It was the second clean sweep at home endured by the Indian team in just over a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a spot in the WTC final.

The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's chances of making the decider of this edition also.

Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have fallen to fifth place. Though nine further games are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even when facing the mighty Aussies. Yet the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.

Roots of the Decline

India's frailty in the longer format has been badly exposed. That said, why India have performed so poorly in Test matches at home recently is remains puzzling.

Since the turn of the century, India were regarded as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that helped spin and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an exception.

Now, the team seem easy pickings on home turf.

Versus the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they developed to help their style went wrong completely, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.

The Core Issue

Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling at home because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to succeed overseas.

Some point out that the IPL, in which many overseas players take part, has removed the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them before.

Even though there is validity in these views, it does not clarify the reason India's performances at home have seen such a dramatic drop.

Several Weaknesses

The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a few causes.

Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings after the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.

This was evident in the displays of the side.

Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - came up short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.

Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.

Coaching Scrutiny

The post-mortem targeted just the players - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by upset followers and critical former players. At the centre of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.

At his post-series press