India's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India a record defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum built over the last several months has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Disappears
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a smooth transition post the almost concurrent exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the home season enhanced that perception, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Shubman Gill got injured early on in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the team of the terribly sub-par showing in the two games against the opposition.
Several established players suffered, and multiple individuals hoping for lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second clean sweep on home soil experienced by India in just over a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa risks harming India's prospects of qualifying for the decider of this edition too.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to fifth place. Though nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even against the strong Australian side. However the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason the team have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, India were considered unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Today, the team appear to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as the opposition exploited them better, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering at home because local wickets have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it still does not explain the reason India's performances on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have identified several failings post India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, poor choices, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the squad.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem also included just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and critical former players. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
