The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It was the Proteas' first series win in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the prospects of multiple squad members - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Disappears
The young team's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous exits of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the South Africans turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the side of the highly disappointing display in the two games against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and multiple individuals hoping for extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second clean sweep at home suffered by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 win which effectively cost India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage India's hopes of making the showpiece of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have fallen to fifth place. Though nine further games are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even against the strong Australian side. However the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, why India have fared so badly in Test matches at home lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an exception.
Now, India seem easy pickings at home.
Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the home team's players when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is failing at home because home surfaces have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to perform better overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has removed the surprise and difficulty home wickets would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is validity in these views, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players point to a multi-faceted challenge, not only one or two factors.
Critics and players have pointed to several failings following India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the team.
Members like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - were found wanting in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to secure victories.
Management Questions
The analysis also included just the players - selectors and support staff were also under fire, spurred on by disappointed supporters and critical former players. At the centre of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
