The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second home series loss in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum built over the previous half-year has all but vanished and the careers of multiple squad members - along with head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
A Promising Start Vanishes
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this summer, under a new captain, suggested a smooth transition following the near-simultaneous exits of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign strengthened that view, until the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill got injured early on in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the side of the well below standard display in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players were damaged, and a few members eyeing extended tenures in Tests were shown as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Concerning History
It was the second series sweep in home conditions endured by India in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to South Africa could damage the team's prospects of making the showpiece of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to number five. Although nine more Tests are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - including against the powerful Australians. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches at home recently is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were considered impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that assisted spinners and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an anomaly.
Today, the team appear to be beatable in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they prepared to help their style failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is struggling at home because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to succeed abroad.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players take part, has removed the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would pose to them before.
Although there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain the reason the side's results at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complicated issue, not only one or two factors.
Critics and players have pointed to several failings after India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and emphasizing limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the showings of the team.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - came up short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Management Questions
The review also included not only the cricketers - the selection panel and coaching staff were also criticized, spurred on by distraught fans and critical former players. Under focus of the scrutiny was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
