The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, the visiting team gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It was South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm built over the last several months has all but vanished and the futures of a number of cricketers - along with head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Disappears
The young team's impressive performance in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover following the near-simultaneous departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the home campaign strengthened that view, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill was injured quickly in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the well below standard display in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second whitewash on home soil endured by India in just over a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail India's chances of qualifying for the final of this season also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have dropped to number five. Even though nine further games are still to come, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even against the powerful Australians. However the failures against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. However, the reason India have performed so poorly in Tests at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, India were considered invincible in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Now, the team look to be beatable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they curated to help their style went wrong completely, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that India is failing at home because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to do well in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would pose to them in the past.
Even though there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify the reason the side's results at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not just one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings post India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the side.
Players like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - came up short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Management Questions
The review didn't spare the entire setup - the selection panel and coaching staff were also under fire, fuelled by distraught fans and vocal past stars. At the centre of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
