India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, the visiting team gave India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and India's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum established in the past six months has largely dissipated and the futures of a number of cricketers - as well as head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Disappears
The young team's commendable display in England this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a successful handover following the almost concurrent retirements of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. Yet that neither explains nor absolves the side of the well below standard performance in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and several players aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This was the second series sweep at home experienced by India in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage India's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this season also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Though nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a major plus - even against the powerful Australians. However the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in the longer format has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have fared so badly in Tests at home lately is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an aberration.
Currently, India look to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they developed to help their style went wrong completely, as rivals exploited them better, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to succeed abroad.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars participate, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would pose to them earlier.
Although there is validity in these views, it does not clarify the reason the side's results at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have identified various flaws after India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the team.
Players such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - selectors and backroom team were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
