The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the recently concluded red-ball series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in India in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has all but vanished and the futures of multiple squad members - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Disappears
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this season, under a different skipper, indicated a seamless changeover post the close together departures of veterans Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas came and inflicted a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill got injured early on in the first Test and took no further part in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par showing in each match against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and multiple individuals eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This was the second series sweep at home endured by India in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage the team's hopes of reaching the decider of this cycle also.
From number three in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have dropped to fifth place. Though nine further games are yet to be played, a majority are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - including against the mighty Aussies. However the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home lately is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were seen as impregnable in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Currently, the team look to be beatable at home.
Against the Kiwis in last year and South Africa this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they curated to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the home team's players when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been changed from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to succeed in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would challenge them with in the past.
While there is a degree of accuracy in these views, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not only a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have identified multiple deficiencies following the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the side.
Members like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure 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 Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included just the players - selectors and support staff were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. Under focus of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
