The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the prospects of several players - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in England this summer, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition after the close together departures of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill suffered an injury very early in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the well below standard showing in each match against the opposition.
Several established players took a hit, and multiple individuals aspiring to long red-ball careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second series sweep at home experienced by India in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a spot in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage the team's hopes of reaching the showpiece of this edition too.
After being third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to number five. Even though nine further games are still to come, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even against the strong Australian side. Yet the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, why the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as impregnable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an aberration.
Today, India look to be vulnerable at home.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they curated to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals exploited them better, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing at home because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars play, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with in the past.
While there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it still does not explain why India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings post India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the team.
Cricketers such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - came up short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.
Management Questions
The analysis also included the entire setup - team selectors and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. At the centre of the criticism was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
