🔗 Share this article

India's shocking 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.

In the final match, South Africa gave India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in India in 25 years and India's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.

The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has almost disappeared and the careers of several players - as well as head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.

Early Optimism Disappears

The new-look squad's commendable display in England this summer, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous departures of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.

A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.

The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill was injured early on in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. However, that fails to account for the team of the well below standard showing in each match against the opposition.

Some big reputations took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.

A Troubling Pattern

This represented the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a place in the WTC final.

The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail the team's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle too.

Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have dropped to number five. Although nine additional matches are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even against the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.

Reasons for the Slump

India's weakness in the longer format has been clearly revealed. However, the reason the team have struggled so much in Test matches 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. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an exception.

Currently, the team look to be vulnerable in their own backyard.

Against New Zealand 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 exploited them better, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.

The Core Issue

A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to perform better in foreign conditions.

Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty home wickets would present to them before.

While there is validity in both analyses, it still does not explain the reason India's performances on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.

Various Shortcomings

Most former players identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not just one or two factors.

Experts and participants have identified several failings post the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.

This was obvious in the showings of the team.

Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.

Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to secure victories.

Coaching Scrutiny

The analysis targeted just the players - the selection panel and support staff were also criticized, driven by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.

During his post-series press