India's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded Test series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, South Africa inflicted upon India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, contrary to predictions. It was the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year invincible streak.
The momentum gained during the last several months has almost disappeared and the prospects of several players - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Disappears
The young team's impressive performance in England this season, under a fresh leadership, suggested a smooth transition post the close together departures of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the home campaign boosted that belief, before the South Africans arrived to deliver a fell blow.
India were somewhat unlucky that skipper Shubman Gill was injured quickly in the opening Test and was ruled out in the series. Yet that does not excuse or justify the team of the terribly sub-par showing in the two games against the opposition.
Several established players were damaged, and several players eyeing extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second series sweep at home suffered by India in just over a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had pulled off a surprising 3-0 victory which effectively cost India a spot in the Test championship finale.
The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail the team's chances of making the showpiece of this season as well.
After being third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, the side have dropped to number five. Though nine additional matches are remaining, half of these are against the Aussies. Ordinarily, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even when facing the powerful Australians. But the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa leave little scope for that confidence.
Reasons for the Slump
India's weakness in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. However, why India have performed so poorly in Test matches at home in recent times is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were seen as invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on surfaces that assisted spinners and aided their squad, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an aberration.
Currently, India appear to be beatable in their own backyard.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and the Proteas this year, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they developed to favor their game failed miserably, as the opposition exploited them better, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is struggling at home because home surfaces have been changed from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to do well in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players take part, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would present to them earlier.
Although there is some truth in these views, it fails to account for the reason India's performances on home soil have seen such a sharp fall.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a few causes.
Experts and participants have identified multiple deficiencies post India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, arrogance, constant chopping and changing of the team lineup, and favoring limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the squad.
Players such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - were found wanting in skill and mindset, suffering the consequences for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Sundar - lived up to their ability and standing - but not well enough to claim wins.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis also included not only the cricketers - team selectors and backroom team were also criticized, driven by upset followers and outspoken ex-cricketers. At the centre of the examination was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
