India's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum built over the past six months has almost disappeared and the prospects of several players - including team coach the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The young team's commendable display in England this summer, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover following the close together retirements of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season strengthened that view, until the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against the opposition.
Several established players suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This was the second clean sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming India's hopes of reaching the showpiece of this cycle too.
After being third in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Even though nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even when facing the powerful Australians. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's weakness in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason the team have struggled so much in Test matches at home lately is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered invincible in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an anomaly.
Today, the team look to be beatable in their own backyard.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they curated to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the home team's players when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering at home because local wickets have been modified from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to do well overseas.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would challenge them with 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 experienced such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complicated issue, not only a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have identified various flaws following India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the side.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - were found wanting in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review targeted just the players - team selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, spurred on by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
