The Indian cricket team's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
Just days ago, the visiting team inflicted upon India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's initial series triumph in India in 25 years and the host nation's another home failure in just 12 months after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The momentum established in the past six months has largely dissipated and the careers of several players - as well as team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Disappears
The new-look squad's commendable display in England this summer, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover after the close together departures of stalwarts Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A straightforward 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the domestic season strengthened that view, until the Proteas arrived to deliver a crushing loss.
India were a bit unlucky that skipper Gill was injured very early in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. But that neither explains nor absolves the side of the well below standard performance in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and multiple individuals hoping for long red-ball careers were revealed to be still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This was the second series sweep on home soil suffered by India in just over a year. Last year, unfancied the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 win which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas risks harming the team's chances of qualifying for the final of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the WTC rankings before the series, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Though nine more Tests are still to come, five of these are against the Aussies. Typically, competing on home turf would be a significant benefit - even when facing the powerful Australians. However the debacles against New Zealand and South Africa offer no room for such comfort.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in the longer format has been significantly highlighted. Nevertheless, the reason the team have fared so badly in Test matches on home soil lately is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were considered invincible in Test cricket at home. In hot, humid conditions and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, India dominated all comers. A rare failure, like in 2012-13 against the English, was considered an anomaly.
Now, India appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they prepared to help their style backfired spectacularly, as the opposition capitalized on them more skillfully, surpassing the home team's players when it mattered most.
What Happened?
Some suggest that India is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to fast tracks to get cricketers ready to succeed abroad.
Some point out that the IPL, in which many overseas players play, has removed the mystery and hardship home wickets would present to them in the past.
Although there is validity in these views, it does not clarify why India's performances at home have witnessed such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars point to a complicated issue, not just a few causes.
Critics and players have pointed to multiple deficiencies following the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, overconfidence, frequent changes of the team lineup, and favoring white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the displays of the squad.
Members such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were looking to cement their place in the team - came up short in skill and mindset, facing the fallout for their lackadaisical method.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Sundar - did justice to their talent and reputation - but not well enough to claim wins.
Management Questions
The post-mortem targeted not only the cricketers - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, driven by upset followers and critical former players. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
In his post-series press
