India's shocking 0-2 series loss to South Africa in the just finished Test series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, against all odds. This represented South Africa's first series win in India in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the last several months has all but vanished and the careers of a number of cricketers - including team coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
Initial Hope Disappears
The young team's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a different skipper, pointed to a smooth transition post the almost concurrent retirements of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Kohli.
An easy 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the domestic season boosted that belief, before the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that skipper Gill got injured quickly in the initial match and took no further part in the series. But that fails to account for the squad of the highly disappointing display in each match against the opposition.
Some big reputations suffered, and multiple individuals aspiring to lengthy Test careers were exposed as not yet good enough - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second whitewash at home experienced by India in just over a year. Last year, unfancied New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which practically cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to South Africa risks harming India's prospects of qualifying for the final of this cycle as well.
After being third in the WTC table before the series, India have been relegated to fifth place. Although nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against Australia. Ordinarily, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even against the mighty Aussies. But the debacles against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. That said, why India have struggled so much in Test matches on home soil in recent times is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, India were seen as invincible in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an aberration.
Currently, India look to be vulnerable in their own backyard.
Facing New Zealand in last year and South Africa currently, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths went wrong completely, as rivals capitalized on them more skillfully, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling at home because home surfaces have been altered from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to get cricketers ready to perform better overseas.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would present to them before.
While there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain the reason India's performances on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complicated issue, not just a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted multiple deficiencies following the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the team.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - came up short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem also included just the players - the selection panel and support staff were also criticized, driven by distraught fans and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
