The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in India in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum built over the last several months has all but vanished and the careers of a number of cricketers - including team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Disappears
The young team's commendable display in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, suggested a successful handover post the near-simultaneous retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign boosted that belief, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Gill got injured very early in the first Test and took no further part in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the side of the well below standard showing in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players were damaged, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Concerning History
It was the second clean sweep on home soil suffered by India in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming India's hopes of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have dropped to number five. Even though nine additional matches are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the powerful Australians. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason the team have struggled so much in Tests on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Currently, the team appear to be easy pickings at home.
Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they prepared to help their style went wrong completely, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to perform better abroad.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would pose to them before.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it still does not explain why the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complicated issue, not only one or two factors.
Experts and participants have pointed to several failings following India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the displays of the squad.
Members like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and vocal past stars. Under focus of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
