India's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm built over the past six months has all but vanished and the futures of multiple squad members - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Disappears
The young team's commendable display in England this summer, under a new captain, indicated a seamless changeover after the near-simultaneous exits of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the start of the home campaign boosted that belief, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the series. But that fails to account for the team of the terribly sub-par display in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations took a hit, and several players aspiring to long red-ball careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This was the second clean sweep on home soil endured by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which effectively cost the hosts a spot in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to South Africa risks harming India's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this edition too.
From number three in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have been relegated to fifth place. Though nine further games are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even against the strong Australian side. But the debacles against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been badly exposed. That said, the reason India have performed so poorly in Test matches at home lately is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an exception.
Currently, the team look to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, India were beaten at their own game. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths failed miserably, as opponents exploited them better, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to fast tracks to train the squad to do well abroad.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has reduced the mystery and hardship Indian conditions would challenge them with before.
Even though there is validity in these views, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings on home soil have experienced such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars point to a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to one or two factors.
Experts and participants have highlighted various flaws following India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, overconfidence, frequent changes of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the squad.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem didn't spare just the players - selectors and support staff were also criticized, fuelled by upset followers and vocal past stars. Under focus of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
