The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished Test series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum established in the last several months has largely dissipated and the prospects of several players - along with head coach the coach - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a successful handover post the close together departures of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over the Windies at the commencement of the home season strengthened that view, till the South Africans turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were a bit unlucky that captain Gill suffered an injury quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the squad of the highly disappointing display in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and several players aspiring to lengthy Test careers were shown as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second series sweep at home suffered by India in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage India's hopes of reaching the decider of this cycle too.
After being third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have been relegated to number five. Although nine further games are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a major plus - including against the strong Australian side. Yet the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. Nevertheless, the reason India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil lately is remains puzzling.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as impregnable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Currently, India seem easy pickings at home.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, beating the home team's players when it counted the most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to succeed abroad.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which many overseas players take part, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would pose to them earlier.
Although there is some truth in both analyses, it still does not explain why the side's results on home soil have experienced such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a multi-faceted challenge, not just a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have highlighted multiple deficiencies post the team's humiliating loss to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and favoring white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the team.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - came up short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review targeted not only the cricketers - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, driven by distraught fans and critical former players. Under focus of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
