The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa handed India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the futures of multiple squad members - as well as head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The emerging side's commendable display in England this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a smooth transition after the close together exits of stalwarts Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the domestic season strengthened that view, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill suffered an injury quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. However, that neither explains nor absolves the team of the well below standard showing in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals aspiring to lengthy Test careers were shown as not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second series sweep in home conditions endured by India in just over a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage the team's prospects of qualifying for the final of this season as well.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have been relegated to number five. Even though nine further games are remaining, five of these are against Australia. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even when facing the mighty Aussies. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been clearly revealed. However, why the team have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were seen as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Now, the team appear to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Against New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The pitches they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the home team's players when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that India is failing in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.
Others highlight that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which several international stars participate, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.
While there is some truth in each argument, it does not clarify the reason the side's results on home soil have witnessed such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have identified various flaws following the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, arrogance, frequent changes of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was evident in the performances of the team.
Members such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis targeted just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. Under focus of the criticism was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
