The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm established in the last several months has all but vanished and the careers of a number of cricketers - including head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Disappears
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a seamless changeover after the close together retirements of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
India were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing display in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and a few members aspiring to lengthy Test careers were shown as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second whitewash on home soil suffered by India in just over a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming the team's chances of qualifying for the final of this cycle also.
After being third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to number five. Although nine more Tests are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - including against the strong Australian side. However the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, why India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil recently is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Currently, India look to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they developed to help their style went wrong completely, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better overseas.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has taken away the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would present to them earlier.
While there is a degree of accuracy in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a few causes.
Experts and participants have highlighted several failings after India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over the longer format.
This was evident in the performances of the side.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - came up short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted the entire setup - selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
