The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory built over the past six months has all but vanished and the careers of several players - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover post the almost concurrent exits of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the side of the well below standard display in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and multiple individuals aspiring to long red-ball careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second clean sweep at home endured by India in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa risks harming the team's chances of reaching the final of this edition also.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Even though nine more Tests are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - including against the powerful Australians. But the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. However, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that helped spin and benefited their players, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an anomaly.
Currently, India appear to be easy pickings at home.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they developed to favor their game went wrong completely, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering at home because home surfaces have been altered from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to perform better in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has taken away the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them before.
Even though there is validity in both analyses, it still does not explain why the side's results at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have identified various flaws following India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the starting eleven, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the side.
Cricketers such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their place in the team - were found wanting in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not well enough to claim wins.
Management Questions
The review didn't spare the entire setup - the selection panel and backroom team were also criticized, driven by disappointed supporters and critical former players. Under focus of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
