The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
In the final match, the visiting team handed India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, against all odds. It was the Proteas' initial series triumph in India in two and a half decades 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 largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - now hang in the balance.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The young team's strong showing in England this summer, under a fresh leadership, pointed to a seamless changeover post the almost concurrent retirements of key players Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season enhanced that perception, until the South Africans came and inflicted a crushing loss.
India were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill was injured early on in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. But that neither explains nor absolves the side of the well below standard showing in both Tests against the opposition.
Some big reputations were damaged, and multiple individuals eyeing lengthy Test careers were shown as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Worrying Trend
This was the second whitewash on home soil experienced by India in just more than a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had secured a staggering 3-0 win which essentially denied India a place in the WTC final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail India's prospects of reaching the showpiece of this cycle too.
Previously ranked third in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Though nine additional matches are still to come, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, playing at home would be a huge advantage - even against the powerful Australians. However the failures against New Zealand and the Proteas provide no basis for such comfort.
Causes of the Fall
India's weakness in Test cricket has been badly exposed. Nevertheless, why India have performed so poorly in Test matches on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, India were considered unbeatable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and aided their squad, the hosts brooked no opposition. The odd series defeat, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was considered an exception.
Now, India seem vulnerable in their own backyard.
Versus the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they curated to help their style backfired spectacularly, as rivals used them more effectively, surpassing the home team's players when it mattered most.
The Core Issue
Some suggest that India is floundering at home because local wickets have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.
Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars participate, has removed the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would challenge them with before.
Even though there is validity in these views, it fails to account for the reason the team's showings on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not just a few causes.
Experts and participants have highlighted several failings after India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the starting eleven, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was evident in the displays of the squad.
Members like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their carelessness, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - were found wanting in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem also included the entire setup - the selection panel and coaching staff were also criticized, driven by distraught fans and outspoken ex-cricketers. Under focus of the criticism was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
