The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, the visiting team gave India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum built over the past six months has largely dissipated and the futures of multiple squad members - along with team coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The young team's strong showing in the UK this season, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover post the near-simultaneous exits of veterans Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign strengthened that view, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill was injured very early in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the terribly sub-par showing in the two games against the opposition.
Several established players were damaged, and several players aspiring to long red-ball careers were revealed to be still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This represented the second series sweep at home suffered by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail the team's chances of making the final of this edition too.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, India have fallen to the fifth spot. Even though nine more Tests are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - even against the mighty Aussies. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. That said, why India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil lately is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that helped spin and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an exception.
Now, the team appear to be easy pickings at home.
Against New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they developed to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that the Indian team is struggling at home because local wickets have been altered from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to do well abroad.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players participate, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.
Even though there is some truth in both analyses, it fails to account for why India's performances at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have highlighted various flaws following the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, frequent changes of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the squad.
Members like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - came up short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but inadequately to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem targeted the entire setup - the selection panel and coaching staff were also under fire, driven by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. Under focus of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
