India's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the just finished Test series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, the visiting team handed India a record Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It was South Africa's initial series triumph in India in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory built over the past six months has all but vanished and the careers of a number of cricketers - as well as head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The young team's commendable display in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a smooth transition post the close together departures of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the start of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill got injured very early in the opening Test and did not participate again in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the side of the well below standard display in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and a few members aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were shown as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This represented the second whitewash at home experienced by India in just a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had secured a remarkable 3-0 win which practically cost India a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail the team's prospects of reaching the decider of this cycle as well.
From number three in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to number five. Even though nine further games are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - including against the mighty Aussies. However the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, why India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Today, India appear to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they prepared to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is failing at home because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to do well in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has removed the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them earlier.
While there is some truth in each argument, it fails to account for why the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not just one or two factors.
Critics and players have pointed to multiple deficiencies after India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, frequent changes of the playing XI, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the performances of the squad.
Members such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to win matches.
Management Questions
The analysis targeted not only the cricketers - team selectors and backroom team were also criticized, fuelled by disappointed supporters and critical former players. Under focus of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
