India's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' maiden series victory in India in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has largely dissipated and the careers of multiple squad members - as well as head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this season, under a new captain, pointed to a seamless changeover following the near-simultaneous retirements of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill was injured very early in the opening Test and took no further part in the series. However, that fails to account for the side of the well below standard display in both Tests against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and a few members aspiring to long red-ball careers were revealed to be not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This represented the second whitewash at home suffered by India in just a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a place in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage the team's prospects of qualifying for the showpiece of this season also.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Though nine further games are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even against the mighty Aussies. However the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been badly exposed. That said, why the team have fared so badly in Tests at home in recent times is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that helped spin and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in 2012-13 against England, was seen as an aberration.
Today, the team look to be vulnerable on home turf.
Against New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they developed to help their style backfired spectacularly, as rivals exploited them better, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering at home because local wickets have been modified from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to do well in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would challenge them with before.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted multiple deficiencies after India's humiliating loss to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and prioritising limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the side.
Players such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their skill and fame - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem didn't spare the entire setup - selectors and backroom team were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
