The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has largely dissipated and the prospects of multiple squad members - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a smooth transition following the close together retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were a bit unlucky that captain Gill got injured early on in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing performance in both Tests against the opposition.
Several established players took a hit, and several players aspiring to lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep at home endured by India in just over a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail the team's prospects of making the decider of this season too.
After being third in the WTC table before the series, India have dropped to number five. Even though nine further games are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Today, the team look to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they developed to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well overseas.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has removed the mystery and hardship home wickets would pose to them in the past.
Even though there is validity in each argument, it fails to account for the reason the side's results at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a few causes.
Experts and participants have highlighted multiple deficiencies after the team's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the team.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The review also included not only the cricketers - the selection panel and coaching staff were also under fire, spurred on by disappointed supporters and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
