The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has all but vanished and the prospects of several players - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The young team's strong showing in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover following the near-simultaneous departures of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the home season boosted that belief, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill was injured very early in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing display in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second series sweep in home conditions endured by India in just a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this season also.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have dropped to number five. Though nine additional matches are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - including against the mighty Aussies. But the failures against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why India have fared so badly in Test matches at home lately is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that helped spin and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an anomaly.
Currently, the team appear to be beatable in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they developed to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling at home because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to succeed overseas.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players participate, has taken away the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would challenge them with before.
While there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify why the side's results at home have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complicated issue, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted various flaws post the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, arrogance, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the squad.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - fell short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem didn't spare just the players - the selection panel and support staff were also questioned, driven by distraught fans and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
