The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, the visiting team gave India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's another home failure in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm established in the past six months has all but vanished and the futures of several players - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Disappears
The young team's impressive performance in England this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign strengthened that view, till the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were a bit unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. Yet that fails to account for the team of the terribly sub-par display in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and several players hoping for lengthy Test careers were revealed to be still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second series sweep on home soil suffered by India in just over a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a spot in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming the team's chances of qualifying for the final of this edition too.
From number three in the WTC rankings before the series, India have been relegated to number five. Though nine more Tests are still to come, half of these are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even against the mighty Aussies. However the failures against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Test matches at home lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Currently, the team look to be vulnerable on home turf.
Against New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they developed to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling at home because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to perform better overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.
While there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it fails to account for why the side's results at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Most former players identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a few causes.
Critics and players have highlighted various flaws following India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, overconfidence, regular alterations of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the showings of the side.
Players like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - came up short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis targeted the entire setup - the selection panel and backroom team were also criticized, driven by distraught fans and critical former players. In the spotlight of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
