The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and India's second home series loss in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory built over the last several months has largely dissipated and the futures of several players - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The young team's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a smooth transition following the almost concurrent retirements of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home season boosted that belief, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill got injured early on in the opening Test and did not participate again in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard display in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash at home suffered by India in just more than a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage India's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this season too.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to number five. Even though nine further games are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even when facing the powerful Australians. However the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. That said, why the team have struggled so much in Tests at home recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were considered unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an aberration.
Today, the team appear to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they curated to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to fast tracks to prepare players to do well abroad.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with before.
Even though there is validity in these views, it still does not explain why the side's results at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings post India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, frequent changes of the playing XI, and prioritising white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the side.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - fell short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.
Management Questions
The post-mortem also included just the players - team selectors and support staff were also criticized, driven by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
