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, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented South Africa's maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just one year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The winning rhythm built over the previous half-year has almost disappeared and the careers of a number of cricketers - including head coach the coach - now hang in the balance.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The emerging side's strong showing in the UK this season, under a new captain, pointed to a successful handover after the almost concurrent retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the commencement of the domestic season strengthened that view, before the Proteas came and inflicted a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Shubman Gill was injured very early in the initial match and did not participate again in the series. However, that does not excuse or justify the squad of the highly disappointing showing in both Tests against South Africa.
Several established players took a hit, and multiple individuals aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not up to the mark - in skill or mindset - for the longer format.
Concerning History
It was the second whitewash on home soil experienced by India in just over a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had pulled off a staggering 3-0 victory which practically cost India a spot in the WTC final.
The fresh failure to South Africa threatens to derail India's chances of reaching the showpiece of this season also.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings before the series, the side have fallen to the fifth spot. Although nine additional matches are yet to be played, half of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even against the powerful Australians. However the disasters against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. However, the reason India have fared so badly in Test matches at home recently is remains puzzling.
Since the turn of the century, the Indian cricket team were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket at home. Under sweltering weather and on pitches that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. A rare failure, like in the 2012-13 season against England, was seen as an anomaly.
Currently, the team appear to be beatable at home.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The pitches they developed to help their style backfired spectacularly, as the opposition used them more effectively, outplaying the Indian batters and bowlers when it counted the most.
What Happened?
A few experts argue that India is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been altered from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to perform better abroad.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which several international stars play, has removed the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would present to them before.
While there is some truth in these views, it still does not explain why India's performances at home have experienced such a staggering decline.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a multi-faceted challenge, not limited to a couple of reasons.
Analysts and squad members have pointed to several failings post India's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, overconfidence, regular alterations of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the showings of the squad.
Cricketers such as Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, paid for their lack of application, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Jurel - who were hoping to secure their position in the squad - came up short in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their ability and standing - but inadequately to secure victories.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis didn't spare the entire setup - selectors and backroom team were also criticized, driven by disappointed supporters and critical former players. At the centre of the examination was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
During his post-series press
