🔗 Share this article

The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished red-ball series has plunged the side into crisis.

In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.

The winning rhythm established in the past six months has almost disappeared and the careers of a number of cricketers - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.

Early Optimism Disappears

The young team's strong showing in the UK this season, under a different skipper, suggested a successful handover after the close together departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the domestic season boosted that belief, till the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.

The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill was injured quickly in the initial match and took no further part in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard display in the two games against South Africa.

Several established players took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the format.

Concerning History

It was the second whitewash in home conditions endured by India in just more than a year. In 2024, unfancied New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 victory which essentially denied India a berth in the WTC final.

The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming India's chances of reaching the final of this cycle also.

After being third in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Though nine additional matches are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even against the powerful Australians. However the failures against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.

Causes of the Fall

India's vulnerability in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why India have struggled so much in Tests at home in recent times is remains puzzling.

From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an anomaly.

Today, the team look to be easy pickings on home turf.

Against New Zealand in 2024 and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they curated to suit their strengths failed miserably, as rivals exploited them better, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.

What's Gone Wrong?

Some suggest that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better abroad.

Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would present to them earlier.

Although there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify why India's performances at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.

Various Shortcomings

The majority of ex-cricketers point to a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a couple of reasons.

Critics and players have identified various flaws after India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.

This was obvious in the performances of the squad.

Players like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.

Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.

Leadership Under Fire

The analysis targeted not only the cricketers - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by distraught fans and critical former players. Under focus of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.

At his post-series press