🔗 Share this article

India's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.

Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, against all odds. This represented the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.

The momentum established in the last several months has all but vanished and the prospects of a number of cricketers - along with head coach the coach - are now uncertain.

Initial Hope Vanishes

The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover post the close together retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the home campaign boosted that belief, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.

The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Gill was injured early on in the first Test and took no further part in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing showing in the two games against South Africa.

Some big reputations suffered, and several players eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.

Worrying Trend

This was the second series sweep on home soil suffered by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.

The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail the team's hopes of reaching the final of this cycle too.

Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a huge advantage - including against the strong Australian side. However the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.

Causes of the Fall

The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches at home lately is remains puzzling.

In the 21st century, India were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an aberration.

Today, India appear to be beatable at home.

Facing New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to help their style went wrong completely, as the opposition used them more effectively, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.

What Happened?

Some suggest that India is struggling at home because local wickets have been altered from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to succeed overseas.

Others highlight that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has removed the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would pose to them before.

Although there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify why the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.

Various Shortcomings

Most former players identify a complicated issue, not limited to a few causes.

Experts and participants have pointed to several failings following the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, frequent changes of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.

This was clear in the showings of the squad.

Members like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.

Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.

Coaching Scrutiny

The analysis targeted just the players - team selectors and support staff were also criticized, spurred on by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.

At his post-series press