India's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in India in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum established in the past six months has all but vanished and the prospects of multiple squad members - including head mentor the coach - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Disappears
The young team's commendable display in England this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a seamless changeover following the near-simultaneous exits of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the South Africans turned up and handed out a fell blow.
India were a bit unlucky that captain Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the side of the highly disappointing performance in each match against the opposition.
Several established players suffered, and a few members aspiring to long red-ball careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Concerning History
This was the second series sweep at home experienced by India in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 win which effectively cost India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas risks harming the team's hopes of making the showpiece of this season too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Though nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. However the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. However, why the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Currently, the team appear to be beatable on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they curated to help their style backfired spectacularly, as the opposition exploited them better, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Some suggest that India is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars take part, has taken away the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would challenge them with earlier.
While there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain why India's performances on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Most former players diagnose a complicated issue, not just a few causes.
Experts and participants have pointed to various flaws following India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, overconfidence, regular alterations of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the team.
Members such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - were found wanting in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The review targeted not only the cricketers - the selection panel and support staff were also criticized, driven by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. In the spotlight of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
