India's unexpected 0-2 defeat to South Africa in the recent Test series has left the team reeling.
In the final match, South Africa handed India their heaviest loss in Test cricket, defying expectations. It marked South Africa's maiden series victory in India in two and a half decades and India's another home failure in just a year after a 12-year unbeaten run.
The positive trajectory established in the last several months has largely dissipated and the prospects of multiple squad members - including head mentor Gautam Gambhir - are now uncertain.
A Promising Start Fades Quickly
The new-look squad's strong showing in the UK this summer, under a new captain, pointed to a successful handover after the almost concurrent departures of key players R Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.
An easy 2-0 triumph over the Windies at the start of the home campaign strengthened that view, until the Proteas turned up and handed out a crushing loss.
India were somewhat unlucky that captain Gill was injured early on in the initial match and took no further part in the contest. However, that does not excuse or justify the team of the well below standard showing in each match against South Africa.
Several established players suffered, and multiple individuals aspiring to extended tenures in Tests were exposed as not up to the mark - technically or mentally - for the format.
Worrying Trend
It was the second whitewash in home conditions suffered by the Indian team in just a year. Last year, underestimated the Kiwis had pulled off a remarkable 3-0 victory which essentially denied the hosts a spot in the WTC final.
The latest loss to the Proteas threatens to derail the team's hopes of qualifying for the decider of this edition too.
After being third in the Test championship standings prior to the contest, India have dropped to fifth place. Even though nine more Tests are yet to be played, half of these are against the Aussies. Usually, competing on home turf would be a huge advantage - even against the powerful Australians. However the debacles against the Kiwis and South Africa offer no room for such assurance.
Causes of the Fall
India's frailty in Test cricket has been badly exposed. That said, the reason India have struggled so much in Test matches at home lately is remains puzzling.
In the 21st century, India were regarded as impregnable in Test cricket in home conditions. In hot, humid conditions and on pitches that favored spin bowling and benefited their players, the hosts brooked no opposition. A rare failure, such as in 2012-13 against the English, was seen as an anomaly.
Currently, India look to be vulnerable on home turf.
Versus New Zealand in last year and the Proteas currently, the home side were defeated by their own tactics. The tracks they prepared to favor their game went wrong completely, as opponents exploited them better, surpassing India's batsmen and bowlers when it counted the most.
What's Gone Wrong?
A few experts argue that India is failing at home because domestic pitches have been changed from turners to fast tracks to train the squad to perform better overseas.
Others highlight that the IPL, in which several international stars participate, has taken away the unfamiliarity and challenge Indian conditions would present to them earlier.
Even though there is a degree of accuracy in each argument, it still does not explain why the team's showings at home have seen such a dramatic drop.
Various Shortcomings
Many past stars identify a multi-faceted challenge, not just one or two factors.
Analysts and squad members have identified several failings post India's disappointing performance to the South Africans: not respecting the foe, inadequate readiness, poor choices, excessive self-belief, regular alterations of the playing XI, and favoring limited-overs over Test cricket.
This was obvious in the performances of the side.
Players such as Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, of whom so much was expected, suffered for their nonchalance, while Sudarshan, Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel - who were aiming to establish their spot in the side - were found wanting in ability and attitude, paying a heavy price for their casual attitude.
Only a handful - Ravindra Jadeja, Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Sundar - fulfilled their talent and reputation - but not well enough to win matches.
Coaching Scrutiny
The review targeted just the players - team selectors and coaching staff were also criticized, driven by upset followers and critical former players. In the spotlight of the examination was mentor Gambhir.
During his post-series press
