The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, against all odds. This represented the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory gained during the past six months has all but vanished and the careers of several players - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The emerging side's impressive performance in England this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a seamless changeover following the near-simultaneous departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season boosted that belief, until the South Africans arrived to deliver a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Gill got injured early on in the first Test and was ruled out in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the well below standard showing in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep on home soil suffered by India in just over a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 victory which effectively cost the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming India's chances of reaching the showpiece of this season also.
From number three in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to number five. Even though nine additional matches are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even when facing the powerful Australians. Yet the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's weakness in the longer format has been badly exposed. However, why the team have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that helped spin and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, such as in 2012-13 against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Currently, India appear to be beatable at home.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they curated to help their style backfired spectacularly, as the opposition used them more effectively, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering at home because domestic pitches have been altered from spinning tracks to quick wickets to train the squad to do well overseas.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players participate, has taken away the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would challenge them with earlier.
Although there is validity in each argument, it fails to account for why India's performances at home have seen such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted various flaws after India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: underrating the rivals, poor preparation, questionable picks, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over the longer format.
This was obvious in the showings of the side.
Members such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - fell short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis didn't spare not only the cricketers - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
During his post-series press
