The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, the visiting team gave India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's initial series triumph in India in a quarter-century and India's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum gained during the last several months has all but vanished and the careers of a number of cricketers - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's impressive performance in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover after the almost concurrent retirements of key players Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
India were a bit unlucky that captain Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard display in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and multiple individuals hoping for lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the format.
Concerning History
This was the second whitewash in home conditions endured by India in just a year. Last year, little-fancied New Zealand had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 win which practically cost the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa could damage the team's hopes of qualifying for the final of this edition also.
After being third in the WTC rankings before the series, India have been relegated to number five. Even though nine additional matches are still to come, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even against the mighty Aussies. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's frailty in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, why the team have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were considered impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that assisted spinners and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an aberration.
Currently, India look to be beatable on home turf.
Against New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, the home side were hoisted by their own petard. The tracks they developed to favor their game went wrong completely, as rivals exploited them better, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better abroad.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players play, has reduced the mystery and hardship subcontinental pitches would present to them in the past.
Although there is some truth in these views, it fails to account for why the side's results at home have seen such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Most former players identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Experts and participants have identified various flaws following the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and prioritising limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the team.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their spot in the side - fell short in ability and attitude, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not well enough to win matches.
Management Questions
The post-mortem also included just the players - team selectors and backroom team were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the scrutiny was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
