The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It was the Proteas' maiden series victory 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 past six months has all but vanished and the careers of a number of cricketers - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The emerging side's strong showing in England this season, under a new captain, pointed to a smooth transition following the close together departures of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the start of the home campaign strengthened that view, until the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the terribly sub-par showing in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and several players aspiring to lengthy Test careers were shown as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a surprising 3-0 triumph which essentially denied India a berth in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's prospects of reaching the decider of this season also.
After being third in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine further games are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even when facing the mighty Aussies. However the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an anomaly.
Now, India seem easy pickings on home turf.
Facing New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to help their style backfired spectacularly, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is struggling at home because home surfaces have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to succeed abroad.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players play, has removed the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would pose to them earlier.
Even though there is validity in each argument, it does not clarify the reason the team's showings at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players point to a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Critics and players have highlighted several failings post the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the performances of the squad.
Players such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but inadequately to claim wins.
Management Questions
The post-mortem didn't spare the entire setup - the selection panel and support staff were also criticized, fuelled by distraught fans and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
