The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's first series win in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum established in the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the careers of a number of cricketers - including head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Disappears
The young team's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous exits of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the home season boosted that belief, until the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill got injured early on in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. But that fails to account for the side of the well below standard showing in both Tests against the opposition.
Several established players suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing long red-ball careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This represented the second clean sweep in home conditions endured by India in just a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 win which effectively cost India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail the team's prospects of qualifying for the decider of this cycle also.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings before the series, India have dropped to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are yet to be played, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even against the strong Australian side. But the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason India have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against England, was considered an exception.
Currently, the team seem beatable at home.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they curated to favor their game went wrong completely, as rivals exploited them better, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering at home because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to succeed abroad.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has taken away the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
While there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a multi-faceted challenge, not only a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have identified several failings post India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the side.
Members like Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - fell short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not well enough to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The review also included just the players - team selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, driven by distraught fans and vocal past stars. At the centre of the scrutiny was team coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
