India's unexpected 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a 12-year invincible streak.
The positive trajectory built over the last several months has largely dissipated and the prospects of several players - including head coach the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Vanishes
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a smooth transition following the close together departures of veterans R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season strengthened that view, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a fell blow.
The home side were a bit unlucky that leader Gill suffered an injury quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the contest. But that fails to account for the squad of the well below standard performance in the two games against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers were damaged, and several players aspiring to lengthy Test careers were exposed as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
This represented the second clean sweep at home experienced by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 victory which practically cost India a place in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage the team's chances of reaching the final of this edition too.
After being third in the WTC rankings ahead of the matches, the side have dropped to the fifth spot. Although nine further games are remaining, five of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even when facing the strong Australian side. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been badly exposed. That said, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were considered unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that assisted spinners and aided their squad, the hosts faced little challenge. A rare failure, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an aberration.
Currently, India appear to be easy pickings at home.
Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they prepared to help their style failed miserably, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is failing in home conditions because local wickets have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to succeed overseas.
A few mention that the IPL, in which many overseas players participate, has taken away the surprise and difficulty home wickets would challenge them with earlier.
While there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it fails to account for why India's performances on home soil have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Most former players diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a couple of reasons.
Experts and participants have identified various flaws after India's humiliating loss to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the showings of the squad.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - fell short in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis also included the entire setup - the selection panel and backroom team were also criticized, driven by distraught fans and vocal past stars. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
