The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's first series win in India in 25 years and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum built over the past six months has largely dissipated and the careers of a number of cricketers - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Disappears
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a seamless changeover after the close together exits of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the home season boosted that belief, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill got injured very early in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard showing in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and multiple individuals aspiring to lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second whitewash on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 win which essentially denied India a spot in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa risks harming India's hopes of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition as well.
From number three in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to number five. Though nine additional matches are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - including against the powerful Australians. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an exception.
Today, India seem beatable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they developed to favor their game failed miserably, as rivals used them more effectively, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has removed the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them in the past.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it does not clarify why the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Most former players diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a few causes.
Experts and participants have highlighted several failings following the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, overconfidence, frequent changes of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the squad.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - came up short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not well enough to win matches.
Management Questions
The analysis also included just the players - team selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
