The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the prospects of multiple squad members - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this season, under a different skipper, suggested a successful handover post the near-simultaneous exits of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the home season boosted that belief, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the team of the highly disappointing showing in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and multiple individuals aspiring to long red-ball careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This was the second clean sweep in home conditions endured by India in just a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail the team's prospects of qualifying for the final of this edition also.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have dropped to number five. Though nine further games are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's weakness in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Today, India appear to be vulnerable at home.
Against New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to help their style backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is failing at home because home surfaces have been changed from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to succeed overseas.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has taken away the surprise and difficulty home wickets would pose to them in the past.
While there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it does not clarify why the side's results on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Most former players point to a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to multiple deficiencies post India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, frequent changes of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the squad.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - 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 - lived up to their ability and standing - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review targeted just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, driven by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
