The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It was South Africa's maiden series victory in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and India's another home failure in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory built over the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the careers of a number of cricketers - along with team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Disappears
The emerging side's impressive performance in England this summer, under a different skipper, suggested a smooth transition after the almost concurrent exits of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the commencement of the home season enhanced that perception, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that skipper Shubman Gill got injured early on in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the side of the well below standard showing in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations took a hit, and a few members eyeing lengthy Test careers were revealed to be not yet good enough - in skill or mindset - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This represented the second whitewash in home conditions suffered by India in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas threatens to derail India's chances of making the final of this edition as well.
After being third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have dropped to fifth place. Though nine more Tests are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, performing in familiar conditions would be a huge advantage - even against the strong Australian side. But the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. However, why India have fared so badly in Tests on home soil recently is continues to confuse.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in 2012-13 against England, was considered an exception.
Currently, India look to be beatable at home.
Facing New Zealand in last year and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The pitches they developed to suit their strengths failed miserably, as the opposition exploited them better, beating the Indian batters and bowlers when it mattered most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is floundering in home conditions because domestic pitches have been modified from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers play, has reduced the surprise and difficulty Indian conditions would present to them in the past.
While there is validity in these views, it still does not explain why the team's showings on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a complicated issue, not only one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted various flaws after the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was clear in the displays of the squad.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their carelessness, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - came up short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but inadequately to win matches.
Management Questions
The review also included just the players - selectors and coaching staff were also under fire, spurred on by upset followers and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
