The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory gained during the last several months has almost disappeared and the futures of several players - along with team coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The young team's strong showing in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover following the close together departures of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over West Indies at the start of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill got injured quickly in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. However, that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par display in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players were damaged, and several players hoping for long red-ball careers were exposed as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second clean sweep at home endured by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a spot in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming India's chances of reaching the decider of this edition as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings before the series, India have been relegated to fifth place. Even though nine more Tests are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a huge advantage - including against the powerful Australians. Yet the failures against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason India have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on tracks that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an aberration.
Now, India appear to be beatable on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents exploited them better, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is floundering at home because local wickets have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to do well in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has taken away the surprise and difficulty home wickets would pose to them in the past.
Even though there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify the reason India's performances at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players diagnose a complicated issue, not only a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have pointed to various flaws following India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, overconfidence, frequent changes of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the squad.
Cricketers like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review targeted the entire setup - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and critical former players. At the centre of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
