The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum built over the past six months has largely dissipated and the prospects of several players - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Disappears
The emerging side's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a seamless changeover post the close together exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the domestic season strengthened that view, till the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were a bit unlucky that captain Gill was injured very early in the initial match and took no further part in the series. Yet that fails to account for the team of the well below standard performance in the two games against South Africa.
Some big reputations were damaged, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This was the second series sweep in home conditions experienced by India in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had secured a surprising 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming India's hopes of making the showpiece of this edition as well.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Even though nine more Tests are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - including against the powerful Australians. However the failures against the Kiwis and the Proteas offer no room for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in the longer format has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, the reason India have struggled so much in Tests at home recently is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, India faced little challenge. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Today, the team appear to be easy pickings in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they curated to favor their game went wrong completely, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is floundering at home because home surfaces have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to succeed in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players take part, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would challenge them with earlier.
Even though there is validity in these views, it fails to account for why India's performances at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Several Weaknesses
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have identified multiple deficiencies post the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, flawed selections, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over the longer format.
This was clear in the performances of the team.
Players such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but inadequately to secure victories.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem targeted just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by upset followers and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
