The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory established in the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the prospects of a number of cricketers - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The young team's commendable display in England this season, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover post the close together departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the domestic season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill got injured early on in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard showing in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals hoping for extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second series sweep on home soil experienced by India in just a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage the team's chances of qualifying for the decider of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even when facing the mighty Aussies. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as invincible in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that helped spin and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an anomaly.
Today, India seem easy pickings in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they curated to favor their game failed miserably, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering at home because home surfaces have been altered from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to perform better overseas.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would present to them in the past.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it fails to account for why the team's showings at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players point to a multi-faceted challenge, not only a few causes.
Experts and participants have identified various flaws after the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the team.
Cricketers like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Management Questions
The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - the selection panel and support staff were also criticized, fuelled by distraught fans and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
