India's shocking 0-2 loss to South Africa in the recently concluded Test series has plunged the side into crisis.
In the final match, the visiting team gave India their heaviest Test defeat by runs, contrary to predictions. This represented the Proteas' first series win in India in a quarter-century and India's second home series loss in just a year after a decade-plus without a home loss.
The winning rhythm gained during the previous half-year has largely dissipated and the prospects of a number of cricketers - along with team coach Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
Early Optimism Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's impressive performance in the UK this summer, under a fresh leadership, indicated a seamless changeover post the near-simultaneous exits of key players R Ashwin, Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
A facile 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the beginning of the home campaign enhanced that perception, till the Proteas turned up and handed out a devastating defeat.
India were a tad unfortunate that leader Gill got injured quickly in the first Test and did not participate again in the series. However, that fails to account for the squad of the highly disappointing showing in each match against South Africa.
A number of star cricketers suffered, and a few members aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were exposed as still inadequate - in ability or temperament - for the Test cricket.
Concerning History
This was the second clean sweep on home soil experienced by the Indian team in just over a year. Last year, underestimated New Zealand had achieved a remarkable 3-0 win which effectively cost India a place in the Test championship finale.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's chances of making the decider of this cycle as well.
After being third in the WTC rankings prior to the contest, India have dropped to fifth place. Though nine additional matches are remaining, a majority are against the Aussies. Usually, performing in familiar conditions would be a major plus - even when facing the strong Australian side. Yet the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.
Reasons for the Slump
The national team's weakness in red-ball cricket has been significantly highlighted. That said, why India have fared so badly in Tests at home recently is continues to confuse.
In the 21st century, the Indian cricket team were seen as impregnable in red-ball cricket at home. In demanding climates and on pitches that helped spin and suited their batsmen and bowlers, the hosts faced little challenge. The odd series defeat, such as in the 2012-13 season against England, was viewed as an anomaly.
Today, India seem beatable at home.
Versus New Zealand in last year and South Africa this year, India were defeated by their own tactics. The surfaces they prepared to favor their game failed miserably, as the opposition used them more effectively, surpassing the home team's players when it mattered most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that the Indian team is failing in home conditions because home surfaces have been modified from turners to pace-friendly pitches to train the squad to do well in foreign conditions.
A few mention that the Indian Premier League (IPL), in which many overseas players take part, has reduced the unfamiliarity and challenge subcontinental pitches would pose to them in the past.
Even though there is some truth in these views, it does not clarify why the team's showings on home soil have seen such a staggering decline.
Various Shortcomings
The majority of ex-cricketers identify a complex, multi-headed problem, not limited to one or two factors.
Critics and players have identified various flaws post the team's disappointing performance to the Proteas: underrating the rivals, lack of preparation, poor choices, arrogance, frequent changes of the starting eleven, and favoring limited-overs over the longer format.
This was evident in the performances of the team.
Members such as Pant and Jaiswal, of whom high hopes were held, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in technique and temperament, suffering the consequences for their casual attitude.
Just a few - Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Siraj and Washington Sundar - fulfilled their skill and fame - but not sufficiently to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The post-mortem didn't spare just the players - team selectors and support staff were also under fire, fuelled by upset followers and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was team coach Gambhir.
In his post-series press
