The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.
Earlier this week, South Africa gave India a record loss in Test cricket, against all odds. It was South Africa's first series win in India in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The winning rhythm gained during the past six months has all but vanished and the futures of several players - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Disappears
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a successful handover after the near-simultaneous departures of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the home season boosted that belief, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill was injured quickly in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing display in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and a few members hoping for extended tenures in Tests were shown as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This was the second clean sweep at home endured by India in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost India a place in the WTC final.
The latest loss to South Africa could damage India's hopes of reaching the showpiece of this season too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Although nine more Tests are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a significant benefit - including against the strong Australian side. However the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for that confidence.
Roots of the Decline
The national team's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. However, why India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an aberration.
Now, the team appear to be beatable in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they developed to favor their game backfired spectacularly, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling at home because local wickets have been altered from spinning tracks to fast tracks to prepare players to perform better overseas.
Some point out that the IPL, in which many overseas players participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would pose to them before.
While there is some truth in each argument, it still does not explain the reason the team's showings on home soil have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a multi-faceted challenge, not only a couple of reasons.
Critics and players have highlighted various flaws following the team's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, flawed selections, arrogance, frequent changes of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was obvious in the performances of the squad.
Cricketers such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - fell short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review didn't spare not only the cricketers - team selectors and backroom team were also under fire, fuelled by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
