🔗 Share this article

The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.

In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.

The positive trajectory established in the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the careers of a number of cricketers - including head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.

Early Optimism Fades Quickly

The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a successful handover following the almost concurrent departures of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.

A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.

India were a bit unlucky that captain Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. But that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par display in the two games against the opposition.

Some big reputations took a hit, and several players hoping for lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.

Concerning History

This represented the second series sweep in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a place in the WTC final.

The fresh failure to South Africa risks harming the team's chances of reaching the decider of this edition too.

From number three in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have dropped to number five. Even though nine further games are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even against the strong Australian side. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.

Reasons for the Slump

The national team's weakness in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.

From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an anomaly.

Today, India look to be easy pickings in their own backyard.

Facing the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they curated to favor their game went wrong completely, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.

What's Gone Wrong?

A few experts argue that India is struggling at home because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to do well overseas.

Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars play, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past.

While there is validity in each argument, it fails to account for why the team's showings on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.

Several Weaknesses

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

Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings post the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.

This was clear in the performances of the side.

Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - fell short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.

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

Management Questions

The analysis didn't spare not only the cricketers - selectors and backroom team were also criticized, spurred on by disappointed supporters and critical former players. In the spotlight of the criticism was team coach Gautam Gambhir.

In his post-series press