The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Just days ago, South Africa handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of a number of cricketers - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Disappears
The young team's commendable display in England this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover post the close together departures of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, before the South Africans came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
India were a bit unlucky that captain Gill was injured quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. Yet that fails to account for the side of the terribly sub-par display in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals hoping for lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second whitewash in home conditions experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage the team's prospects of qualifying for the final of this cycle also.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, India have dropped to fifth place. Though nine more Tests are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even when facing the strong Australian side. But the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been badly exposed. However, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home recently is still bewildering.
Since the turn of the century, India were considered unbeatable in red-ball cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an anomaly.
Currently, India appear to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they curated to help their style backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that India is struggling at home because local wickets have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to perform better abroad.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars take part, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it fails to account for why the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
Most former players point to a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have highlighted several failings after the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, lack of preparation, flawed selections, arrogance, frequent changes of the playing XI, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the side.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - were found wanting in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The review also included not only the cricketers - selectors and support staff were also criticized, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. At the centre of the criticism was head coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
