The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' first series win in India in a quarter-century and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm established in the last several months has all but vanished and the prospects of multiple squad members - as well as head mentor the coach - are now uncertain.
Initial Hope Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this season, under a different skipper, suggested a successful handover following the close together departures of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over West Indies at the start of the home campaign enhanced that perception, before the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were a tad unfortunate that captain Shubman Gill suffered an injury early on in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the side of the highly disappointing display in both Tests against South Africa.
Some big reputations suffered, and several players hoping for extended tenures in Tests were shown as still inadequate - in skill or mindset - for the format.
A Troubling Pattern
It was the second clean sweep on home soil endured by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 win which effectively cost the hosts a place in the Test championship finale.
The recent defeat to the Proteas could damage India's hopes of making the decider of this cycle as well.
From number three in the WTC rankings before the series, India have been relegated to the fifth spot. Though nine more Tests are yet to be played, a majority are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - including against the strong Australian side. But the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa provide no basis for such comfort.
Reasons for the Slump
India's vulnerability in Test cricket has been clearly revealed. That said, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Tests on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In demanding climates and on pitches that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, India faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Today, the team look 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 tracks they developed to help their style failed miserably, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
What's Gone Wrong?
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is failing at home because local wickets have been changed from spinning tracks to pace-friendly pitches to prepare players to perform better in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers participate, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would pose to them earlier.
Even though there is some truth in both analyses, it does not clarify the reason the side's results at home have experienced such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars diagnose a complex, multi-headed problem, not only one or two factors.
Experts and participants have highlighted various flaws post the team's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, questionable picks, overconfidence, regular alterations of the playing XI, and emphasizing white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the showings of the team.
Members like Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - fell short in skill and mindset, paying a heavy price for their lackadaisical method.
A small number - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - did justice to their skill and fame - but inadequately to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The analysis didn't spare not only the cricketers - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, driven by upset followers and vocal past stars. At the centre of the scrutiny was head coach Gambhir.
At his post-series press
