The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the futures of several players - as well as team coach the coach - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a smooth transition following the close together departures of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the home season strengthened that view, before the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill got injured very early in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. However, that fails to account for the squad of the highly disappointing showing in both Tests against the opposition.
Several established players were damaged, and a few members hoping for long red-ball careers were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second whitewash at home endured by India in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 win which effectively cost India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage India's prospects of making the showpiece of this cycle as well.
From number three in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have dropped to fifth place. Though nine further games are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Usually, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even when facing the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in the longer format has been clearly revealed. However, why India have fared so badly in Test matches at home recently is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that helped spin and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an exception.
Currently, the team look to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they curated to favor their game went wrong completely, as opponents exploited them better, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to do well in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players participate, has reduced the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them in the past.
While there is some truth in these views, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings post the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the team.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - came up short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to win matches.
Management Questions
The review didn't spare the entire setup - team selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. Under focus of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
