The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum established in the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the futures of several players - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a seamless changeover post the close together exits of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the domestic season boosted that belief, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill was injured early on in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the team of the terribly sub-par showing in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players were damaged, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming India's chances of reaching the showpiece of this edition as well.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, India have fallen to number five. Although nine more Tests are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. However, why India have fared so badly in Tests at home recently is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an anomaly.
Currently, India seem easy pickings on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they curated to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the home team's players when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that India is struggling in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to do well in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would challenge them with in the past.
While there is some truth in each argument, it fails to account for why India's performances at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars diagnose a complicated issue, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have identified multiple deficiencies post the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the team.
Cricketers like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - were found wanting in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis targeted just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, driven by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
