The Indian cricket team's shocking 0-2 series loss to the Proteas in the recent Test series has sent shockwaves through the squad.
Earlier this week, South Africa handed India their heaviest defeat in terms of runs, defying expectations. This represented the Proteas' first series win in the subcontinent in 25 years and the host nation's second defeat at home in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory established in the last several months has largely dissipated and the futures of several players - including head coach Gautam Gambhir - are under scrutiny.
Early Optimism Vanishes
The new-look squad's commendable display in the UK this season, under a fresh leadership, indicated a successful handover after the close together exits of stalwarts R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 win over the Windies at the beginning of the home season enhanced that perception, until the Proteas came and inflicted a fell blow.
The home side were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill suffered an injury very early in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. But that does not excuse or justify the team of the highly disappointing performance in the two games against South Africa.
Several established players were damaged, and several players aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were revealed to be not yet good enough - technically or mentally - for the longer format.
Worrying Trend
This represented the second series sweep on home soil endured by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, little-fancied the Kiwis had achieved a remarkable 3-0 win which effectively cost India a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The recent defeat to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's prospects of qualifying for the final of this cycle as well.
Previously ranked third in the Test championship standings ahead of the matches, the side have been relegated to fifth place. Although nine further games are yet to be played, five of these are against Australia. Typically, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - including against the mighty Aussies. However the disasters against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.
Roots of the Decline
India's weakness in the longer format has been badly exposed. That said, the reason the team have performed so poorly in Tests at home recently 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 aided their squad, India dominated all comers. The occasional loss, like in the 2012-13 season against the English, was viewed as an exception.
Today, the team look to be easy pickings on home turf.
Facing the Kiwis in last year and South Africa currently, India were hoisted by their own petard. The surfaces they prepared to suit their strengths backfired spectacularly, as opponents used them more effectively, outplaying India's batsmen and bowlers when it was most crucial.
The Core Issue
Certain analysts propose that the Indian team is floundering in home conditions because home surfaces have been altered from turners to quick wickets to prepare players to do well overseas.
Some point out that the domestic T20 league, in which numerous foreign cricketers take part, has taken away the mystery and hardship home wickets would pose to them before.
Even though there is validity in both analyses, it does not clarify why India's performances at home have witnessed such a sharp fall.
Several Weaknesses
Many past stars point to a complicated issue, not only a few causes.
Experts and participants have identified several failings following India's embarrassing defeat to the South Africans: underestimating the opposition, inadequate readiness, poor choices, arrogance, regular alterations of the team lineup, and prioritising white-ball over Test cricket.
This was clear in the performances of the squad.
Members like Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, were punished for their nonchalance, while Sai Sudarshan, Reddy, and Jurel - who were aiming to establish their place in the team - fell short in ability and attitude, facing the fallout for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep, Siraj and Washington Sundar - lived up to their talent and reputation - but not sufficiently to secure victories.
Management Questions
The review didn't spare just the players - the selection panel and backroom team were also questioned, fuelled by upset followers and vocal past stars. At the centre of the scrutiny was mentor Gambhir.
At his post-series press
