The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the just finished Test series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the futures of several players - including head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover post the close together exits of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the home season boosted that belief, till the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill was injured quickly in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. But that fails to account for the squad of the terribly sub-par showing in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and multiple individuals hoping for lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep at home suffered by India in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 victory which practically cost India a spot in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage the team's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this season too.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Though nine additional matches are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even against the mighty Aussies. Yet the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. However, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches at home lately is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an anomaly.
Currently, the team seem easy pickings on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they curated to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to succeed overseas.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would pose to them earlier.
Although there is validity in both analyses, it still does not explain why the side's results on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars point to a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Critics and players have highlighted multiple deficiencies after the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the side.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - fell short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but inadequately to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem didn't spare not only the cricketers - team selectors and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and critical former players. Under focus of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
