The Indian cricket team's surprising 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in two and a half decades and the host nation's second defeat at home in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The positive trajectory gained during the last several months has largely dissipated and the futures of a number of cricketers - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The emerging side's impressive performance in England this season, under a new captain, indicated a smooth transition following the close together retirements of veterans R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, before the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
The home side were somewhat unlucky that leader Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the opening Test and took no further part in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the terribly sub-par showing in the two games against the opposition.
Several established players took a hit, and several players eyeing long red-ball careers were shown as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second series sweep in home conditions endured by India in just over a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a staggering 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The fresh failure to the Proteas could damage India's prospects of making the showpiece of this edition too.
From number three in the WTC table prior to the contest, India have dropped to the fifth spot. Though nine further games are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a major plus - even against the powerful Australians. Yet the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's frailty in the longer format has been clearly revealed. That said, why the team have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil recently is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as invincible in Test cricket at home. In demanding climates and on tracks that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. The occasional loss, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an aberration.
Now, India appear to be beatable on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, India were beaten at their own game. The surfaces they developed to help their style went wrong completely, as opponents capitalized on them more skillfully, beating India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been changed from turners to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which many overseas players participate, has reduced the surprise and difficulty subcontinental pitches would pose to them earlier.
Although there is validity in both analyses, it still does not explain why the side's results at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Multiple Failings
The majority of ex-cricketers point to a multi-faceted challenge, not only a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings post the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, questionable picks, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and emphasizing limited-overs over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the squad.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, suffered for their lack of application, while Sai Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - fell short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their nonchalant approach.
A small number - Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their ability and standing - but inadequately to claim wins.
Leadership Under Fire
The analysis also included not only the cricketers - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by upset followers and vocal past stars. Under focus of the criticism was mentor Gautam Gambhir.
In his post-series press
