The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' first series win in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's another home failure in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum established in the past six months has all but vanished and the careers of multiple squad members - as well as head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a successful handover after the almost concurrent retirements of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the home season strengthened that view, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were a bit unlucky that captain Gill suffered an injury very early in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the team of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against South Africa.
Several established players were damaged, and several players eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This represented the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had secured a remarkable 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage the team's hopes of making the final of this cycle as well.
From number three in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to the fifth spot. Although nine further games are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even when facing the mighty Aussies. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were considered unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on tracks that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an exception.
Now, India seem vulnerable on home turf.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as rivals used them more effectively, outplaying the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering at home because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has removed the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.
While there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players point to a multi-faceted challenge, not only a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to multiple deficiencies post the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the side.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - came up short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but inadequately to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem didn't spare just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also under fire, spurred on by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
