🔗 Share this article

The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.

Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's another home failure in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The momentum gained during the past six months has all but vanished and the prospects of a number of cricketers - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.

Initial Hope Vanishes

The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a smooth transition after the almost concurrent retirements of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

An easy 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.

The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing performance in each match against the opposition.

Several established players took a hit, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.

Concerning History

This represented the second whitewash in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 win which effectively cost India a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The latest loss to South Africa could damage India's prospects of making the decider of this season also.

From number three in the WTC table before the series, India have been relegated to fifth place. Even though nine more Tests are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - including against the powerful Australians. But the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.

Roots of the Decline

The national team's frailty in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests at home in recent times is still bewildering.

From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an anomaly.

Currently, India appear to be vulnerable on home turf.

Facing New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they curated to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.

The Core Issue

Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to perform better abroad.

A few mention that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has reduced the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would challenge them with in the past.

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

Multiple Failings

The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.

Critics and players have pointed to several failings following the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.

This was evident in the showings of the side.

Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - were found wanting in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.

A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to secure victories.

Leadership Under Fire

The review also included just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.

In his post-series press