The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished 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 South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum built over the previous half-year has all but vanished and the prospects of several players - along with head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The young team's strong showing in England this season, under a different skipper, pointed to a seamless changeover following the close together departures of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home season boosted that belief, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the team of the terribly sub-par showing in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and a few members hoping for extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This represented the second whitewash at home experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a surprising 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail India's prospects of qualifying for the final of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have fallen to fifth place. Although nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even against the powerful Australians. However the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's weakness in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an exception.
Today, the team appear to be beatable in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they curated to help their style failed miserably, as opponents exploited them better, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to succeed overseas.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would challenge them with in the past.
Even though there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify why the team's showings on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have identified various flaws following the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, arrogance, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the showings of the team.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but inadequately to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis targeted the entire setup - team selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, driven by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
