India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum gained during the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the careers of a number of cricketers - as well as head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The young team's strong showing in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover post the almost concurrent exits of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill got injured quickly in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing showing in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This represented the second clean sweep on home soil suffered by India in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a staggering 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a place in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail India's chances of making the decider of this edition as well.
From number three in the WTC table ahead of the matches, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Though nine more Tests are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. But the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Tests at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, India were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that helped spin and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an aberration.
Today, the team look to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they curated to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing at home because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to do well in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with before.
Even though there is validity in each argument, it still does not explain the reason India's performances at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have highlighted multiple deficiencies following India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, overconfidence, frequent changes of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the side.
Cricketers like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - fell short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Management Questions
The analysis targeted not only the cricketers - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
