India's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the careers of several players - as well as head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The young team's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover following the almost concurrent departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the home season strengthened that view, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill got injured very early in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. But that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par performance in each match against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were shown as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second series sweep on home soil experienced by India in just over a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to South Africa threatens to derail India's prospects of reaching the final of this cycle also.
After being third in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have fallen to number five. Though nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a significant benefit - including against the mighty Aussies. But the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an exception.
Now, the team look to be easy pickings at home.
Facing New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they curated to help their style failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better overseas.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players play, has reduced the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would challenge them with before.
Although there is validity in both analyses, it still does not explain why the side's results on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Critics and players have highlighted various flaws following India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the displays of the side.
Players such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare just the players - team selectors and support staff were also criticized, fuelled by distraught fans and vocal past stars. Under focus of the criticism was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
