The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 defeat to the Proteas in the recently concluded red-ball series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, the visiting team inflicted upon India a record loss in Test cricket, contrary to predictions. It marked the Proteas' initial series triumph in the subcontinent in 25 years and India's second defeat at home in just one year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The momentum gained during the past six months has almost disappeared and the prospects of several players - as well as head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The young team's commendable display in the UK this summer, under a new captain, indicated a successful handover post the close together exits of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 victory over West Indies at the commencement of the home season enhanced that perception, until the South Africans came and inflicted a fell blow.
India were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill was injured early on in the initial match and was ruled out in the contest. Yet that fails to account for the side of the well below standard showing in each match against the opposition.
A number of star cricketers took a hit, and several players hoping for extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not up to the mark - in ability or temperament - for the longer format.
Concerning History
This represented the second clean sweep in home conditions endured by India in just over a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had secured a staggering 3-0 win which essentially denied India a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The latest loss to South Africa threatens to derail the team's chances of reaching the showpiece of this season too.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, the side have dropped to fifth place. Although nine further games are remaining, half of these are against Australia. Typically, playing at home would be a significant benefit - even against the strong Australian side. However the disasters against the Kiwis and the Proteas provide no basis for that confidence.
Causes of the Fall
The national team's frailty in Test cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, the reason India have struggled so much in Tests on home soil in recent times is still bewildering.
From the year 2000 onwards, the Indian cricket team were regarded as unbeatable in red-ball cricket in home conditions. Under sweltering weather and on surfaces that favored spin bowling and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts dominated all comers. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an exception.
Currently, the team appear to be vulnerable on home turf.
Against the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, the home side were beaten at their own game. The tracks they developed to help their style went wrong completely, as the opposition exploited them better, beating the home team's players when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is struggling in home conditions because domestic pitches have been changed from spinning tracks to quick wickets to prepare players to perform better abroad.
Some point out that the IPL, in which several international stars take part, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge home wickets would present to them earlier.
While there is validity in each argument, it does not clarify why India's performances on home soil have seen such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Most former players diagnose a multi-faceted challenge, not just a few causes.
Analysts and squad members have highlighted various flaws post India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, poor preparation, poor choices, excessive self-belief, frequent changes of the team lineup, and emphasizing white-ball over red-ball cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the squad.
Players like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom great things were anticipated, paid for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were looking to cement their position in the squad - fell short in technique and temperament, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not well enough to secure victories.
Management Questions
The post-mortem didn't spare just the players - the selection panel and coaching staff were also questioned, spurred on by disappointed supporters and vocal past stars. In the spotlight of the criticism was team coach Gautam Gambhir.
At his post-series press
