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 handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's first series win in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory built over the last several months has almost disappeared and the careers of multiple squad members - as well as head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Disappears
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this season, under a different skipper, indicated a seamless changeover post the near-simultaneous departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill suffered an injury early on in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. But that fails to account for the team of the highly disappointing performance in the two games against the opposition.
Several established players suffered, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second clean sweep on home soil endured by India in just a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming India's prospects of making the final of this season too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Although nine additional matches are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even against the strong Australian side. However the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, why the team have fared so badly in Tests at home in recent times is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Currently, India look to be beatable on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they curated to help their style backfired spectacularly, as rivals used them more effectively, surpassing the home team's players when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been modified from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars participate, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with in the past.
While 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
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings after India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was obvious in the performances of the squad.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - fell short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.
Management Questions
The analysis targeted just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. In the spotlight of the criticism was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
