The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the futures of multiple squad members - including head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, before the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill got injured very early in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard showing in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and a few members hoping for lengthy Test careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This represented the second whitewash in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 win which effectively cost India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail India's hopes of qualifying for the final of this edition also.
After being third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil lately is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, India were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an aberration.
Now, India appear to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they curated to suit their strengths failed miserably, as rivals exploited them better, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to succeed in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with in the past.
Even though there is validity in each argument, it fails to account for why India's performances at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Most former players point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have highlighted various flaws after the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, poor choices, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the squad.
Members like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - came up short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Management Questions
The analysis also included not only the cricketers - team selectors and backroom team were also criticized, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
