🔗 Share this article

The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.

Earlier this week, South Africa handed India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.

The winning rhythm established in the past six months has all but vanished and the prospects of several players - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.

Early Optimism Vanishes

The emerging side's impressive performance in England this summer, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover post the close together departures of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the home season boosted that belief, till the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.

India were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill was injured quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. But that fails to account for the team of the terribly sub-par display in both Tests against the opposition.

Several established players took a hit, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.

Concerning History

It was the second whitewash at home suffered by India in just over a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail India's chances of qualifying for the final of this edition too.

Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to number five. Although nine more Tests are still to come, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even when facing the powerful Australians. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.

Causes of the Fall

The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil recently is still bewildering.

In the 21st century, India were seen as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an anomaly.

Currently, India appear to be beatable in their own backyard.

Versus the Kiwis in 2024 and South Africa currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents exploited them better, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.

The Core Issue

Some suggest that India is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to perform better overseas.

Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars participate, has taken away the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past.

Although there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify why the side's results at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.

Various Shortcomings

The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complicated issue, not limited to a couple of reasons.

Analysts and squad members have identified multiple deficiencies following the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, poor choices, overconfidence, regular alterations of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.

This was evident in the performances of the team.

Members like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - came up short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.

Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to secure victories.

Leadership Under Fire

The review targeted the entire setup - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by upset followers and critical former players. At the centre of the examination was team coach Gambhir.

During his post-series press