India's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, the visiting team gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was South Africa's initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has almost disappeared and the careers of several players - including head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous retirements of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill got injured very early in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard showing in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals aspiring to long red-ball careers were exposed as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
This represented the second series sweep on home soil suffered by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming the team's hopes of reaching the final of this season too.
After being third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have fallen to fifth place. Even though nine more Tests are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a significant benefit - 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 frailty in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason India have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was considered an aberration.
Today, the team appear to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they curated to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as opponents exploited them better, beating the home team's players when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that India is struggling at home because home surfaces have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to do well in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars participate, has taken away the mystery and hardship home wickets would pose to them earlier.
Although there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars point to a complicated issue, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted several failings post the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was obvious in the displays of the team.
Cricketers like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - fell short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted just the players - team selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
