The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in 25 years and India's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm established in the previous half-year has all but vanished and the futures of several players - including head mentor the coach - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The young team's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, indicated a smooth transition post the close together exits of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the home campaign strengthened that view, until the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill was injured early on in the initial match and did not participate again in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the side of the terribly sub-par performance in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and a few members aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were shown as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
It was the second whitewash in home conditions endured by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 win which effectively cost India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to South Africa risks harming the team's chances of reaching the decider of this edition as well.
From number three in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have fallen to fifth place. Though nine further games are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even when facing the strong Australian side. But the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason India have fared so badly in Tests at home recently is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, India were regarded as invincible in Test cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an exception.
Today, the team appear to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to favor their game failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, surpassing the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is failing at home because home surfaces have been changed from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to succeed overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which several international stars take part, has removed the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would pose to them before.
Even though there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain the reason India's performances at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars identify a complicated issue, not just one or two factors.
Experts and participants have highlighted multiple deficiencies post India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over the longer format.
This was evident in the performances of the squad.
Cricketers such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their position in the squad - were found wanting in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to win matches.
Leadership Under Fire
The post-mortem didn't spare not only the cricketers - team selectors and backroom team were also under fire, fuelled by distraught fans and vocal past stars. Under focus of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
