India's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, South Africa handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, against all odds. It marked the Proteas' first series win in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has all but vanished and the prospects of several players - as well as team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The emerging side's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition post the near-simultaneous retirements of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
India were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill suffered an injury very early in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. However, that fails to account for the team of the highly disappointing performance in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members aspiring to long red-ball careers were shown as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This represented the second series sweep at home experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a surprising 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa risks harming the team's chances of making the final of this season too.
From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Although nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a major plus - even when facing the powerful Australians. But the disasters against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's weakness in the longer format has been badly exposed. However, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil lately is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Now, the team look to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they curated to favor their game went wrong completely, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is floundering at home because local wickets have been altered from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better abroad.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with in the past.
Although there is validity in each argument, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Most former players diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted various flaws after the team's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the showings of the team.
Members such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - came up short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to secure victories.
Management Questions
The analysis didn't spare not only the cricketers - team selectors and backroom team were also questioned, driven by distraught fans and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the examination was head coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
