The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, South Africa handed India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It was 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 gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the futures of multiple squad members - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Disappears
The emerging side's strong showing in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover post the almost concurrent departures of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill was injured quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the well below standard display in the two games against the opposition.
Several established players were damaged, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second whitewash on home soil suffered by India in just a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail India's hopes of making the decider of this edition too.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to number five. Although nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - including against the strong Australian side. But the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Currently, India seem beatable at home.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that India is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to do well abroad.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has taken away the mystery and hardship home wickets would challenge them with in the past.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players diagnose a complicated issue, not limited to one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings following India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the side.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.
Management Questions
The analysis targeted not only the cricketers - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, fuelled by distraught fans and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the criticism was team coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
