India's shocking 0-2 loss to the Proteas in the just finished red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, South Africa gave India a record defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph 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 invincible streak.
The momentum established in the last several months has largely dissipated and the prospects of multiple squad members - including team coach Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The emerging side's strong showing in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a successful handover following the almost concurrent exits of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the beginning of the domestic season boosted that belief, till the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that skipper Gill was injured quickly in the first Test and was ruled out in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the squad of the terribly sub-par display in each match against the opposition.
Several established players took a hit, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were exposed as still inadequate - technically or mentally - for the format.
Concerning History
This represented the second clean sweep on home soil endured by India in just more than a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had pulled off a staggering 3-0 triumph which essentially denied the hosts a berth in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail India's hopes of reaching the showpiece of this cycle also.
After being third in the Test championship standings before the series, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Even though nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - including against the strong Australian side. But the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas leave little scope for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were seen as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on tracks that helped spin and aided their squad, the hosts dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Currently, the team look to be beatable at home.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, India were beaten at their own game. The tracks they curated to help their style failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, beating the home team's players when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
A few experts argue that India is floundering in home conditions because local wickets have been modified from turners to quick wickets to get cricketers ready to do well abroad.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players play, has removed the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would pose to them in the past.
Although there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify why the side's results on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
Many past stars diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not only one or two factors.
Experts and participants have identified several failings post India's embarrassing defeat to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, flawed selections, excessive self-belief, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and prioritising limited-overs over the longer format.
This was obvious in the showings of the team.
Cricketers such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - fell short in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but inadequately to claim wins.
Management Questions
The analysis didn't spare just the players - the selection panel and support staff were also criticized, driven by disappointed supporters and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the criticism was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press