The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, the visiting team gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum established in the past six months has all but vanished and the careers of multiple squad members - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The young team's impressive performance in England this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a seamless changeover after the close together retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
India were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill got injured early on in the initial match and took no further part in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing showing in each match against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and several players hoping for long red-ball careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Concerning History
This was the second series sweep at home endured by India in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail India's chances of qualifying for the decider of this season also.
After being third in the WTC table prior to the contest, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Even though nine more Tests are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - including against the strong Australian side. However the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason the team have struggled so much in Test matches at home lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an exception.
Currently, the team look to be beatable in their own backyard.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as the opposition exploited them better, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has taken away the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it still does not explain why the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted various flaws after the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the side.
Members like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - were found wanting in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but inadequately to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by upset followers and vocal past stars. Under focus of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
