India's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory gained during the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the futures of several players - as well as head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a successful handover after the almost concurrent exits of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the domestic season strengthened that view, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill got injured very early in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. Yet that fails to account for the side of the well below standard performance in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players were damaged, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This was the second clean sweep on home soil endured by India in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's hopes of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, India have fallen to fifth place. Though nine more Tests are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - including against the strong Australian side. But the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason India have struggled so much in Tests at home recently is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Now, the team appear to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they prepared to help their style backfired spectacularly, as opponents exploited them better, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering at home because home surfaces have been changed from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to do well abroad.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars take part, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them before.
Although there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain the reason India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars identify a complicated issue, not limited to one or two factors.
Experts and participants have highlighted multiple deficiencies post the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, frequent changes of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the side.
Players such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - came up short in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not well enough to secure victories.
Management Questions
The analysis targeted just the players - team selectors and backroom team were also under fire, spurred on by disappointed supporters and critical former players. Under focus of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
