🔗 Share this article

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

Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' first series win in India in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The positive trajectory gained during the past six months has all but vanished and the careers of a number of cricketers - including team coach the coach - are now uncertain.

Initial Hope Disappears

The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover following the almost concurrent retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the domestic season boosted that belief, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.

The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill got injured early on in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the highly disappointing display in the two games against the opposition.

Several established players were damaged, and multiple individuals aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.

A Troubling Pattern

It was the second clean sweep at home experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.

The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage the team's chances of making the final of this cycle as well.

After being third in the WTC rankings before the series, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Though nine more Tests are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even when facing the strong Australian side. But the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.

Causes of the Fall

The national team's frailty in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil lately is continues to confuse.

In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling 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 exception.

Now, the team seem vulnerable in their own backyard.

Facing the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they developed to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as the opposition used them more effectively, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.

The Core Issue

Certain analysts propose that India is struggling at home because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to fast tracks to train the squad to do well in foreign conditions.

A few mention that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would pose to them earlier.

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

Various Shortcomings

Most former players diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.

Analysts and squad members have pointed to various flaws post the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.

This was evident in the displays of the side.

Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.

Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.

Coaching Scrutiny

The post-mortem didn't spare not only the cricketers - team selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, driven by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.

In his post-series press