The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' first series win in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second home series loss in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory established in the last several months has largely dissipated and the prospects of several players - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The young team's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous retirements of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign strengthened that view, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury very early in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the squad of the well below standard showing in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and a few members eyeing long red-ball careers were exposed as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second whitewash in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a surprising 3-0 victory which practically cost the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas could damage the team's chances of qualifying for the showpiece of this cycle too.
After being third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, India have dropped to number five. Though nine additional matches are still to come, half of these are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - including against the powerful Australians. But the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, why India have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil lately is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Now, the team appear to be vulnerable at home.
Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they developed to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents exploited them better, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from turners to quick wickets to train the squad to do well in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players take part, has removed the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them in the past.
Although there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it fails to account for the reason India's performances at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars identify a complicated issue, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to various flaws after India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the side.
Cricketers like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - fell short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.
Management Questions
The analysis also included the entire setup - team selectors and backroom team were also criticized, driven by upset followers and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
