The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory gained during the past six months has all but vanished and the futures of a number of cricketers - including head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a successful handover after the close together exits of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the beginning of the home season strengthened that view, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill was injured quickly in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the terribly sub-par showing in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Concerning History
This represented the second whitewash on home soil endured by India in just a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage the team's chances of reaching the decider of this season too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Even though nine further games are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even against the mighty Aussies. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why India have fared so badly in Tests at home lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were seen as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an exception.
Currently, India seem vulnerable on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they developed to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as the opposition exploited them better, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is floundering in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to perform better overseas.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players participate, has removed the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would present to them before.
While there is some truth in these views, it fails to account for why the team's showings at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players point to a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings post the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, arrogance, frequent changes of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over the longer format.
This was evident in the displays of the side.
Players like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem targeted the entire setup - team selectors and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by distraught fans and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
