The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, the visiting team gave India a record Test defeat by runs, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm built over the past six months has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Disappears
The emerging side's commendable display in England this season, under a different skipper, indicated a seamless changeover after the close together exits of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign boosted that belief, till the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill got injured very early in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the highly disappointing showing in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second clean sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas risks harming the team's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this edition also.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, India have dropped to fifth place. Although nine further games are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a major plus - even when facing the strong Australian side. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. However, the reason the team have fared so badly in Tests on home soil lately is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against the English, was viewed as an aberration.
Today, India seem easy pickings at home.
Against New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to do well overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players participate, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would pose to them earlier.
While there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players point to a complicated issue, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have pointed to several failings following the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the team.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Management Questions
The post-mortem didn't spare just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, driven by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
