🔗 Share this article

The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.

Just days ago, South Africa handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.

The positive trajectory built over the last several months has largely dissipated and the prospects of multiple squad members - as well as head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.

A Promising Start Fades Quickly

The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this season, under a different skipper, suggested a smooth transition after the close together exits of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign strengthened that view, until the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.

India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard display in both Tests against South Africa.

Some big reputations took a hit, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the longer format.

Concerning History

This represented the second whitewash in home conditions endured by India in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.

The fresh failure to South Africa could damage the team's prospects of making the final of this cycle also.

Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to number five. Though nine additional matches are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. However the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.

Causes of the Fall

The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.

Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an exception.

Currently, the team appear to be vulnerable at home.

Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they curated to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as the opposition exploited them better, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.

The Core Issue

A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.

A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars take part, has reduced the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would challenge them with in the past.

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

Multiple Failings

Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not only a couple of reasons.

Analysts and squad members have pointed to various flaws following India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.

This was obvious in the displays of the team.

Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - fell short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.

Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.

Leadership Under Fire

The analysis also included just the players - selectors and support staff were also criticized, spurred on by disappointed supporters and critical former players. At the centre of the examination was head coach Gambhir.

During his post-series press