India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, the visiting team handed India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory built over the past six months has all but vanished and the futures of several players - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's strong showing in England this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a successful handover following the almost concurrent retirements of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season strengthened that view, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard display in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players were damaged, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This was the second whitewash at home experienced by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage the team's chances of making the decider of this season as well.
From number three in the Test championship standings before the series, India have dropped to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even when facing the powerful Australians. However the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's weakness in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. That said, the reason India have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil lately is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an exception.
Currently, India look to be vulnerable on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to do well abroad.
A few mention that the IPL, in which many overseas players participate, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past.
Although there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain why India's performances at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have highlighted several failings following India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, overconfidence, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the side.
Cricketers like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - came up short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but not well enough to win matches.
Management Questions
The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - team selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, spurred on by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
